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Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Vizag to host IFR & Milan 2026, says ENC chief at I-Day parade
Visakhapatnam: The Eastern Naval Command (ENC) celebrated the 79th Independence Day with a ceremonial parade at the Command Parade Ground on Friday, radiating pride, tradition, and patriotic fervour. Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, ENC, inspected a 50-man Guard of Honour and took the salute as contingents from the Indian Navy, Defence Security Corps (DSC), National Cadet Corps (NCC), and Sea Cadet Corps (SCC) marched in unison, showcasing discipline and unity. The event was attended by officers, sailors, veterans, and families from across naval establishments, reflecting the enduring camaraderie between serving personnel and retired veterans. In his address, Vice Admiral Pendharkar praised the parade's precision and extended greetings to all naval and DSC personnel, veterans, and their families. He highlighted the Navy's role in Aatmanirbhar Bharat, citing recent milestones including the commissioning of indigenous ships. He announced the upcoming commissioning of frigates INS Udaigiri and INS Himgiri on August 26, 2025, and confirmed that Visakhapatnam will host the International Fleet Review (IFR) and MILAN 2026 in February next year. ENC previously hosted IFR-2016, where 50 countries participated and President Pranab Mukherjee reviewed the fleet aboard INS Sumitra. The city also hosted MILAN-2024, a global maritime exercise fostering cooperation and security on the high seas. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes , messages , and quotes !


Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Patriotic fervour marks 79th Independence Day parade at Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam
: The Eastern Naval Command (ENC) of the Indian Navy celebrated the 79th Independence Day with a grand ceremonial parade at the Command Parade Ground in Visakhapatnam on Friday, filling the morning with pride, tradition, and patriotic spirit. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, ENC, inspected a 50-man Guard of Honour and took the salute as naval contingents marched with precision. The parade featured personnel from the Indian Navy, Defence Security Corps (DSC), National Cadet Corps (NCC), and Sea Cadet Corps (SCC), symbolising unity and dedication in service to the nation. The event was attended by Flag Officers, officers, and sailors from various ships, submarines, and establishments, along with veterans and their families, reflecting the strong bond between serving personnel and those who have proudly worn the uniform before them. Addressing the gathering, Vice Admiral Pendharkar praised the men and women on parade for their immaculate drill movements and excellent turnout. He extended greetings to all naval and DSC personnel, veterans, and their families on the occasion, and highlighted the Indian Navy's role at the forefront of the initiative. Speaking on recent achievements, he mentioned the commissioning of several indigenous ships in recent years and announced the upcoming commissioning of frigates Udaigiri and Himgiri on 26 August 2025 in Visakhapatnam. He also said the Indian Navy is preparing for the International Fleet Review and Milan 2026, both scheduled to be hosted in the city in February 2026.


Newsweek
5 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Ally Simulated Attacks on China's Aircraft Carriers
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Japan reportedly conducted a military training exercise simulating attacks on aircraft carriers in June, while China simultaneously deployed two "flattops" in the wider Pacific Ocean. Newsweek has emailed Japan's Defense Ministry and China's Foreign Ministry for comment. Why It Matters China has more than 370 combat ships and submarines—including two aircraft carriers, CNS Liaoning and CNS Shandong—making it the largest navy in the world by hull count. In June, both the Liaoning and the Shandong operated on the eastern side of the First Island Chain—a United States defensive line formed by its allies and partners, Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines, in the Western Pacific—for about two weeks, a Newsweek map shows. Facing what it described as "the greatest strategic challenge," Japan has been strengthening the defense of its southwestern islands by converting two warships into aircraft carriers, acquiring carrier-based stealth fighter jets, and deploying tilt-rotor aircraft. What To Know Citing several government sources, Japanese newspaper the Yomiuri Shimbun reported on Thursday that the country's F-2 fighter jets, capable of conducting anti-ship strikes, "checked procedures" for carrying out attacks against aircraft carriers with missiles during a training exercise. This was conducted over the waters north of the disputed Senkaku Islands—part of Japan's southwestern islands but claimed by China as its territory—in the East China Sea. Japanese F-2 fighter jets fly past during an International Fleet Review commemorating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force off Yokosuka, Japan, on November 6, 2022. Japanese F-2 fighter jets fly past during an International Fleet Review commemorating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force off Yokosuka, Japan, on November 6, China's dual aircraft carrier mission, the Liaoning transited near the Senkaku Islands in late May as it headed from the East China Sea toward the wider Pacific Ocean. It sailed near the islands again in mid-June as it returned to China, according to a Newsweek map. The report noted the significance of the training exercise, noting that the F-2 fighter jet has limited stealth capabilities, indicating the drill appeared to be "visible" to Chinese forces. Furthermore, the training area was not what is considered a "standard location" for the Japanese military. The F-2 fighter jet, jointly developed by Japan and the U.S. and based on the design of the American F-16, is optimized for an air-to-surface role to protect Japan's sea lanes. Each aircraft is reportedly capable of carrying up to four anti-ship missiles. According to the report, one of the Chinese aircraft carriers played the role of a U.S. aircraft carrier during the deployment, while the other simulated intercepting it, testing China's capabilities in dealing with U.S. military intervention in the event of war. Chinese aircraft carriers CNS Liaoning, top, and CNS Shandong, bottom, conduct flight operations with J-15 fighter jets in the western Pacific Ocean in early June 2025. Chinese aircraft carriers CNS Liaoning, top, and CNS Shandong, bottom, conduct flight operations with J-15 fighter jets in the western Pacific Ocean in early June 2025. Chinese military What People Are Saying A Japanese government source told the Yomiuri Shimbun: "Given when and where it was conducted and what it involved, this training was clearly intended to make sure China gets the message that it was conducted as a countermeasure [against them]." The Chinese Navy said in June: "During the mission, the two [aircraft carrier] groups, in coordination with relevant arms of the service, conducted joint drills on maritime strikes, air and missile defense, anti-submarine warfare, and integrated long-range support, and thus significantly enhanced real combat capabilities." What Happens Next It remains to be seen how Japan, with U.S. support, will further bolster its defense capabilities amid China's growing military presence around the First Island Chain.


Time of India
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Yoga Day: No fishing off Vizag coast on June 20, 21
1 2 Visakhapatnam: As Vizag city gears up for International Yoga Day celebrations on June 21 (Saturday) along the Beach Road stretch, the fisheries department has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea from Bheemili fishing harbour on June 20 and 21 due to heightened security measures. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers, chief minister Chandrababu Naidu, deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan and several other dignitaries are expected to attend the mega event. Over five lakh people are anticipated to participate in the mass yoga session in Vizag. "We've imposed restrictions on fishing activity from fishing harbour to Bheemili coast due to the scale of the International Yoga Day event. Thousands of people, including VVIPs, will gather along the coastline, and Naval ships will be anchored near RK Beach. It is advisable to avoid venturing into the sea for fishing on June 20 and 21," said P Laxman Rao of the fisheries department. A similar restriction was implemented during the International Fleet Review held at RK Beach in February 2016 for security reasons. Fisherfolk have reportedly accepted the directive and pledged to suspend fishing activities for two days. Many from the fishing community will also join the yoga event to support its success.


New Indian Express
29-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
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.