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New Delhi: To further tighten vigil on China and Bangladesh, the Indian Navy is looking to strengthen its presence in the Bay of Bengal. The decision has been made in view of China’s naval activity and changing security dynamics in the region.
According to a report published in India Today, the Indian Navy will soon set up a new base in West Bengal’s Haldia district. The facility will focus on deploying small warships at the Bay of Bengal.
The report said that the base will host Fast Interceptor Crafts (FICs) as well as the 300-tonne New Water Jet Fast Attack Crafts (NWJFACs). Potential of speeds of up to 40–45 knots, they are designed for quick-response in the sea during any kind of maritime operations.
While they are armed with CRN-91 guns, both FICs and NWJFACs will also be equipped with Nagastra system, which will help in their precision strike and also surveillance.
Notably, the new base will not be a full-fledged command and will comprise of only 100 Naval officers and sailors. It will provide the Indian Navy direct access to the Bay of Bengal and will no longer have to pass through Hoogly river.
As of now, the major naval facilities of Eastern Command on the eastern seaboard, with headquarters at Visakhapatnam. While the land for this naval base was selected earlier, the construction had been pending since long.
The move was a result of the Indian Navy’s broader plan. In 2024, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), had given a green signal to procure 120 Fast Interceptor Crafts and 31 NWJFACs.
