Kochi: The Southern Naval Command hosted a two-day seminar, ‘AatmaNirbhar Air Arm of the Indian Navy 2023,’ from November 13-14, 2023. Conducted under the aegis of Headquarters Naval Aviation, the event was graced by Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, who presided over the seminar as the Chief Guest.
In his keynote address on November 13, 2023, Admiral R Hari Kumar emphasized the imperative for a self-reliant approach to address challenges in the maritime domain. He underscored the potential application of the Government of India’s AatmaNirbharBharat initiative to the Indian Naval Aviation sector. The strides made in localizing various spares and critical components for aircraft manufacturing within the country were noted, showcasing the encouraging potential of the Indian industry. The Chief of the Naval Staff highlighted the significance of flight safety, emphasizing the reduction of aircraft accidents through stringent checks and revisiting standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Subject Matter Experts and eminent panelists presented insightful papers during the seminar, focusing on in-depth analysis and strategies to foster innovation. The event brought together experts in the field of aviation to explore ways of leveraging contemporary technology for the revitalization of the indigenization process. The seminar was a unique effort to achieve self-reliance in Naval aviation, aligning with the clarion call of AatmaNirbharBharat.
The occasion also witnessed the presentation of awards to various naval squadrons and flights for their remarkable performance. Admiral R Hari Kumar awarded on-the-spot commendations to Cdr Abhishek Tomar, Defence civilians Gitesh Shenoy MCM(AR), and Joseph Tom CM (AR) for their contributions towards indigenization efforts, leading to the optimum exploitation of Seaking helicopters in line with the true spirit of AatmaNirbharBharat.