Tag: Indian Navy

Sports

Indian Navy’s Omkar Singh Wins Historic Bronze at 2025 CISM World Military Shooting Championship

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June 30, 2025 – Elverum, Norway
In a proud and unprecedented achievement for India, Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO) Omkar Singh of the Indian Navy has clinched the Bronze Medal at the prestigious 2025 CISM World Military Shooting Championship, held in Elverum, Norway. This marks India’s first-ever medal at the global military shooting event, hosted under the aegis of the International Military Sports Council (CISM).

The annual championship, which brings together the world’s best military shooters, saw fierce competition across multiple disciplines. Omkar Singh’s podium finish is being hailed as a breakthrough moment for India’s presence on the international military sports stage.

A Historic First for India

While Indian athletes have consistently made their mark in civilian shooting championships, this medal represents the first time India has earned a podium finish in the military shooting category under the CISM banner—an elite federation that promotes friendship through sport among armed forces worldwide.

National Pride and Naval Excellence

The Indian Navy expressed its pride in MCPO Omkar Singh’s achievement, acknowledging his dedication, skill, and consistent performance under pressure. His success is being viewed as a testament to the Navy’s commitment to excellence not just in defense, but also in global sporting arenas.

Defence analysts and sports officials have applauded the feat, calling it a “turning point” for India’s armed forces in high-level competitive sports. The Indian contingent at the championship has also expressed optimism about future participation with renewed motivation.

This win not only adds a new chapter to India’s growing prowess in shooting sports but also strengthens the country’s profile in the global military athletic community. MCPO Omkar Singh’s achievement will serve as an inspiration for generations of Indian defence personnel aiming for excellence in sport.

Human Interest

Fifth Fast Patrol Vessel ‘Achal’ Launched by Goa Shipyard Ltd for Indian Coast Guard

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Goa | June 2025 — In a significant stride toward bolstering India’s coastal defense capabilities, Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) successfully launched the fifth Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) named ‘Achal’ for the Indian Coast Guard. The ceremonial launch took place at the shipyard’s facility in Goa and was graced by Mrs. Kavita Harbola, who performed the traditional naming and launching rites. The event was held in the presence of Additional Director General Anil Kumar Harbola, Indian Coast Guard.

The Achal is part of an advanced fleet of eight FPVs being constructed by GSL under a contract awarded by the Ministry of Defence. These high-speed vessels are designed for coastal surveillance, anti-smuggling operations, search and rescue (SAR), and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) patrolling.

Each vessel is equipped with cutting-edge navigation and communication systems, fast interception capability, and state-of-the-art onboard facilities, enabling rapid response to emerging maritime threats.

  • 🔧 Total Project Cost: ₹473 crore
  • 🏭 Make in India Boost: Built entirely in India, the project supports local industry and aligns with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) mission.
  • 👷‍♂️ Employment Generation: The construction has created hundreds of skilled and semi-skilled jobs and engaged over 200 MSMEs across India in the supply of equipment and services.
  • 🚢 Sustainable Engineering: The vessels follow eco-friendly design principles and adhere to international maritime safety norms.

A GSL spokesperson remarked,

“The launch of Achal marks a proud milestone in our longstanding partnership with the Indian Coast Guard. With each vessel we deliver, we reaffirm our commitment to national security, indigenous manufacturing, and maritime innovation.”

With Achal now successfully launched, outfitting and sea trials will proceed before the vessel is formally inducted into the Indian Coast Guard. The remaining three ships in the series are progressing on schedule, with deliveries expected over the next 12–18 months.

The Indian Coast Guard’s growing fleet of indigenous patrol vessels significantly enhances its ability to protect India’s 7,500 km coastline and offshore assets, ensuring peace and security in the region.

Human Interest

Goa Shipyard Achieves Major Milestone: Keel Laid for Yard 1283, Fourth NGOPV for Indian Navy

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Panjim, Goa | June 10, 2025 — Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), one of India’s premier defence shipyards, marked a significant milestone with the keel laying of Yard 1283, the fourth vessel in the Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) series for the Indian Navy. This landmark event took place at the GSL campus and was presided over by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, AVSM, VSM, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff.

The ceremony underscores the growing momentum of the Rs 6,200 crore NGOPV project, which involves the construction of seven technologically advanced patrol vessels—all designed and built in-house by GSL. These vessels are intended to enhance the Indian Navy’s operational readiness and maritime security footprint across the Indian Ocean Region.

The keel laying of Yard 1283 marks the official commencement of its physical construction and reaffirms India’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in the defence manufacturing sector.

Each NGOPV is engineered to undertake a variety of missions, including long-range surveillance, maritime patrolling, anti-piracy operations, and protection of offshore assets. The vessels will also play a crucial role in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and maritime interdiction tasks.

Key Features of the NGOPVs:

  • Length: 114 meters
  • Beam: 14.6 meters
  • Displacement: 2,700 tonnes
  • Propulsion: Dual diesel engines with Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP)
  • Armament: Indigenous weapons and sensors, designed for multi-role maritime duties
  • Crew Comfort: State-of-the-art accommodation and operational systems

Addressing the gathering, Vice Admiral Swaminathan highlighted the Navy’s focus on indigenisation and the strategic role GSL is playing in shaping India’s future-ready naval capabilities.

“This keel laying is not just a shipbuilding ritual—it’s a testament to the Indian Navy’s unwavering focus on operational self-reliance. GSL has consistently demonstrated excellence in execution, delivering critical platforms under challenging timelines,” said the Vice Admiral.

He praised the efforts of the Ministry of Defence, the Indian Navy, and private and public sector entities in strengthening India’s domestic shipbuilding ecosystem.

Mr. Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, Chairman and Managing Director of Goa Shipyard Ltd., expressed pride in the shipyard’s growing contribution to national security.

“Yard 1283 reflects our team’s precision, passion, and purpose. These strategic orders highlight the level of trust placed in GSL by the Indian Navy, and we remain firmly committed to delivering vessels of world-class standards with high indigenous content,” said Mr. Upadhyay.

He also pointed out that GSL’s continuous investments in infrastructure, technology, and human capital are driving it toward becoming a global name in defence shipbuilding.

The NGOPV project is not just about ships—it’s about creating an ecosystem of design, engineering, and production excellence rooted in Indian capabilities. Each milestone, including the keel laying of Yard 1283, brings India closer to its vision of maritime self-sufficiency and strategic autonomy.

As the Indian Navy continues to expand and modernize, GSL remains a cornerstone in its journey—building platforms that are not only technically advanced but also symbolize national pride.

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Operation Sindoor: Women Officers’ Pivotal Role & INSV Tarini’s Historic Voyage

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In a landmark event, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh acknowledged the significant contributions of women in India’s Armed Forces during the flag-in ceremony of INSV Tarini at Mormugao Port, Goa. He highlighted their crucial roles in Operation Sindoor, emphasizing their participation in counter-terrorism operations and maritime expeditions.

Singh commended Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A for their historic circumnavigation of the globe aboard INSV Tarini, covering over 25,600 nautical miles in double-handed mode. Their journey stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of Nari Shakti.

The expedition, which began on October 2, 2024, saw the duo navigate through challenging conditions, including three cyclones and treacherous waters, before completing their voyage. Their achievement underscores the growing representation and accomplishments of Indian women in naval and adventurous pursuits.

Singh’s remarks reflect a broader recognition of gender inclusion in national defense efforts, affirming the expanding presence and impact of women across various strategic and operational spheres—from the challenging terrains of Siachen to the vast seas.

The ceremony was attended by senior naval officials and the families of the officers, marking a significant milestone in India’s defense history.