
Visakhapatnam to host Milan 2026, International Fleet Review
VIJAYAWADA: The Port City is set to host the Milan 2026, a biennial Indian Navy's flagship exercise, and the International Fleet Review from February 14 to 24. On Wednesday, Eastern Naval Command (ENC) Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena met Chief Secretary K Vijayanand at the Secretariat.
On this occasion, the Chief Secretary clarified that the State government will provide all necessary support and assistance to make the event a grand success. These events also help Andhra Pradesh in garnering international recognition in terms of tourism, he affirmed.
The Chief Secretary said that since the President of India, the Prime Minister, and other dignitaries from various countries will be attending the Fleet Review, appropriate arrangements should be made accordingly. He also stressed the need to take steps to beautify Visakhapatnam city in all respects, especially in terms of improving roads, and installation of electric lights. He advised the Visakhapatnam Collector, VMRDA, Visakhapatnam Port Trust, National Highways Authority of India, and Eastern Naval Command officials to take further steps.
Furthermore, he directed the speedy completion of various civil works that are currently in progress. Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena said that 145 countries have been invited to the International Fleet Review and Milan 2026 events which will be held between February 14 to 24. He said that the top brass of the respective navies and other representatives are also expected to attend in large numbers.
Principal Secretary (GAD) Mukesh Kumar Meena, Principal Secretary (Municipal Administration Department) S Suresh Kumar, International Fleet Review Commodore Aby Mathew and other officials were present.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


NDTV
10 hours ago
- NDTV
Dassault's Landmark Production Deal With Tata: What It Could Mean For IAF
New Delhi: The landmark production transfer agreements announced by Dassault Aviation, which manufactures the Rafale fighter, and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) may be a key first step towards meeting a future Indian Air Force requirement for 114 multi-role fighters. While the Defence Ministry continues to diligently follow procedure as it conducts the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme for 114 fighters for the IAF, there is a clear mismatch between the immediate requirements of the IAF and the pace at which international fighter-jet manufacturers can deliver on any potential Indian order. Even if an order were placed today, it would likely take at least five years for the first deliveries to start entering the Indian Air Force given the existing pace of manufacture of the fighter aircraft which are in the fray to win the gigantic IAF order which could be worth upwards of $25 billion at present rates. In addition to the Rafale, which it already operates, the IAF is also considering the Swedish Gripen-E, the Lockheed-Martin manufactured F-21 (an advanced variant of the F-16), the Boeing F-18EX Eagle II, the Eurofighter Typhoon, the Russian Sukhoi 35 and the Boeing F/A-18 E/F. This is where the Dassault-TASL deal can be a game-changer. In a statement, the two partners have said the four production transfer agreements mark "a significant step towards strengthening the country's aerospace manufacturing capabilities and supporting global supply chains." The investment in the project marks "a significant investment in India's aerospace infrastructure and will serve as a critical hub for high-precision manufacturing." The partnership becomes key since the Rafale, which has found favour among a host of air forces around the world, is already under severe manufacturing strain. There is a present backlog of approximately 220 Rafale fighters which are already on order. This includes 164 export orders from Indonesia, Serbia, the UAE and from the Indian Navy, which has recently placed an order for 26 jets to be embarked on the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. At its present rate of manufacture, Dassault hopes to deliver 25 Rafales this year, that's up from 21 which were delivered in 2024. At its current rate of production, the backlog of Rafale jets could take between seven to ten years to clear, contingent of a significant ramping up of production. The Indian Navy, though, hopes to receive its first Rafale-M jet in mid-2028 with deliveries being completed by 2030, as per a specific arrangement. The Dassault-TASL agreement is expected to have a significant bearing, not just on potential Indian orders but also international requirements. Under the scope of the partnership, Tata Advanced Systems will set up a cutting-edge production facility in Hyderabad for the manufacture of key structural sections of the Rafale, including the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the complete rear section, the central fuselage and the front section. The first fuselage segments will roll off the Hyderabad manufacturing line in 2028. The goal is to deliver two complete fuselages per month. The final assembly of the Rafale take place at Dassault's production facility in Merignac, near Bordeaux in France. The Indian Air Force began the process to acquire 114 advanced fighter jets to fix its depleting squadron strength with a Request for Information (RFP) from international manufacturers in 2018. Seven years later, there has been no closure on the deal, despite repeated efforts from consecutive Air Force Chiefs to get the deal done. While the IAF is authorised to operate 42 squadrons (18 aircraft each), it presently operates about 31 squadrons, not enough to meet its operational requirements to defend airspace along the Pakistani and Chinese frontiers. In 2015, India scrapped its 2007 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) tender for 126 jets, instead acquiring just 36 Rafales from France in a $7.8 billion government-government deal signed in 2016. Pilots of the Indian Air Force whom NDTV have spoken to vouch for the Rafale fighter stating that its sensor-integration, cockpit interface and advanced weapons make it a game-changer. The IAF operates two squadrons of Rafales - based out of Ambala (Punjab) and Hasimara (West Bengal). Rafales deployed during Op Sindoor, are believed to have launched the SCALP air-launched cruise missile, a stealthy precision strike weapon known for its accuracy in striking targets. In April this year, the Indian Navy signed a deal worth approximately $7.6 billion to acquire 26 Rafale fighters to operate off the decks of its carriers. The fighter picked by the Navy in preference over Boeing's F/A-18 E/F which was also extensively tested.


New Indian Express
10 hours ago
- New Indian Express
CS tells officials to gear up for monsoon eventualities
VIJAYAWADA: Chief Secretary K Vijayanand instructed officials to ensure comprehensive preparedness for the southwest monsoon season, emphasising proactive measures to mitigate disasters like cyclones and floods. During a video conference held at the State Secretariat on Thursday, he engaged with various State departments, alongside representatives from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF), and other Central government bodies, to review monsoon readiness. He stressed the need for advanced action plans to address potential heavy rains or cyclones. He urged the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and other departments to anticipate risks such as overflowing rivers, streams, and canals, and to collaborate with Vassar Labs for effective planning. He directed the SDMA and Real-Time Governance Society (RTGS) to coordinate with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for enhanced disaster management. He emphasised minimising loss of life and property during calamities, calling for the timely restoration of normalcy through department-specific action plans. The Water Resources Department was instructed to strengthen flood embankments, stockpile sandbags, and intensify floodplain patrolling. The Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department was tasked with keeping JCBs, cranes, and power shovels ready to clear fallen trees and restore traffic on major roads. The Panchayat Raj & Rural Development (PR&RD) Department was directed to ensure standby generators for water supply schemes and leak-free pipelines, while the Municipal Administration Department was asked to complete desilting of urban drains and canals. The Energy Department was told to stock standby generators, tree cutters, and electricity poles, and the Medical and Health Department was to ensure adequate medicine supplies and raise public awareness about preventing infectious diseases in flood-prone areas. The Civil Supplies Department was instructed to maintain sufficient stocks of essential commodities at MLS points. He directed Revenue Principal Secretary G Jayalakshmi to circulate GO No. 1 and GO No. 13, which outline increased compensation for disaster victims, to all departments. He recommended biweekly departmental reviews to ensure effective disaster preparedness.


News18
3 days ago
- News18
From US's Gerald R Ford To India's INS Vikrant: Countries With Powerful Warships, Naval Prowess
Last Updated: India's INS Vikrant stands among some of the best warships in the world including US's Gerald R Ford and Russia's Admiral Gorshkov-class Frigate. India is among the top five countries in the world with the best warships and maritime strength. INS Vikrant, India's first indigenously built aircraft carrier, signifies a major milestone in naval autonomy. Vikrant stands among some of the best warships in the world including US's Gerald R Ford and Russia's Admiral Gorshkov-class Frigate. Earlier this week, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while addressing officers and sailors onboard INS Vikrant off the Goa coast, commended Indian Navy's 'silent service" during Operation Sindoor, India's precision strikes against terror sites in Pakistan. 'Our Western Fleet ships deployed at sea, within 96 hours of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, carried out successful firings of surface-to-surface & surface-to-air missiles and torpedoes on the western & eastern coast. It demonstrated the combat readiness of our platforms, systems & crew and our intent & readiness, forcing the enemy to come into a defensive posture," he said. Warships are central to a nation's maritime dominance and global military projection. In the current geopolitical landscape, certain countries have emerged as leaders in naval power by developing technologically advanced, heavily armed, and strategically capable warships. We asked ChatGPT which of these are among the top warships in the world. Meanwhile, the 2025 Global Firepower rankings also shows navies that dominate the world with their fleet and strength. 1. United States Warship With its key warship USS Gerald R Ford (CVN-78), US Navy holds dominance in naval warfare. It has the largest fleet of aircraft carriers, advanced destroyers, and submarines. The USS Gerald R Ford is known to be the most advanced aircraft carrier in the world, featuring an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS), improved radar, and reduced crew requirements. Navy Fleet And Strength The US Navy is widely regarded as the most powerful naval force globally, boasting the largest total tonnage of warships at over 4.16 million tonnes. The US fleet includes 472 ships and submarines, with 64 submarines, 11 aircraft carriers, 75 destroyers, and 23 corvettes. 2. China Warship China boasts of its key warship Type 055 Renhai-class Destroyer. The Type 055 destroyers are among the largest and most heavily armed surface combatants in the world, equipped with 112 vertical launch systems (VLS). China operates three carriers, including the domestically built Fujian (Type 003), with advanced catapult systems. Navy Fleet And Strength China has rapidly modernised its naval fleet and is now the largest navy in terms of ship numbers. In the 2025 Global Firepower ranking, China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ranks second in total tonnage with about 2.86 million tonnes and possesses the largest fleet by number of vessels, totaling around 700 ships. The Chinese fleet includes a significant number of destroyers, frigates, corvettes, and submarines, with the country also investing heavily in aircraft carriers and amphibious warfare ships. 3. Russia Warship Russia's key warships are the Admiral Gorshkov-class Frigate. These multirole warships are designed to replace older Soviet-era vessels and provide the Russian Navy with a highly capable, flexible platform for blue-water and littoral operations. They are equipped with hypersonic missiles like the Zircon, as well as Kalibr cruise missiles. Navy Fleet And Strength Russia maintains a formidable naval presence with a total tonnage of approximately 1.26 million tonnes and a fleet of 419 vessels. It ranks third on the 2025 Global Firepower ranking. Drawing from its Soviet-era strength, Russia continues to innovate with modular frigates and updated missile systems. The Russian Navy's fleet includes nuclear submarines, cruisers, and destroyers, with a focus on strategic deterrence and regional power projection. 4. Japan Warship Japan's Izumo-class Helicopter Destroyer is among the world's top warships. It incorporates cutting-edge US Aegis combat systems, and is being converted to carry F-35B stealth fighters, enhancing Japan's power projection. Originally built to operate rotary-wing aircraft, the Izumo-class can deploy SH-60K Seahawk helicopters for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), MCH-101 for minesweeping and transport, UH-60J for search and rescue missions and AEW (airborne early warning) helicopters in the future. Navy Fleet And Strength Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force ranks fourth in total tonnage with about 770,000 tonnes and fields 155 ships, including 23 submarines and 36 destroyers. Japan's diesel-electric submarines, such as the Soryu and Taigei classes, are among the quietest in the world. 5. India Warship India's INS Vikrant (IAC-1) is the first indigenously built aircraft carrier. Vikrant can carry and operate MiG-29K multirole naval fighters, Kamov Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopters, MH-60R Seahawks for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), HAL Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and potential future indigenous fighters like TEDBF (Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter). Navy Fleet And Strength India ranks fifth in total naval tonnage with 593,603 tonnes and sixth in fleet size with 293 vessels. The Indian Navy is rapidly modernizing, incorporating aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, and submarines. The Visakhapatnam-class destroyers come equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and advanced sensors. With its central position in the Indian Ocean, the Indian Navy plays a crucial role in maritime security in Asia. The strength of a nation's navy is not only measured by the size of its fleet but also by its technological sophistication, strategic doctrine, and global deployment capabilities. While the United States maintains clear supremacy, countries like India and Russia are rapidly evolving. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk More Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : indian navy ins vikrant Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 04, 2025, 08:00 IST News explainers From US's Gerald R Ford To India's INS Vikrant: Countries With Powerful Warships, Naval Prowess