Posted on 12/26/2023 6:22:46 PM PST by SeekAndFind
The Indian Navy has deployed three guided missile destroyers to the Arabian Sea in response to an alleged drone attack on an Israeli-linked chemical tanker last week. New Delhi also uses long-range maritime patrol aircraft for “domain awareness,” the defense ministry reported Monday night.
On Saturday, the Liberian-flagged MV Chem Pluto, a Japanese-owned tanker traveling 370km off the coast of India, was reportedly hit by a kamikaze drone, according to the Pentagon.
The Israeli-linked tanker had been on its way from Saudi Arabia to India, according to maritime security firm Ambrey. The Indian Navy says they are examining the specifics of the attack on the MV Chem Puto, which managed to anchor in Mumbai on Tuesday.
Although Indian officials say a preliminary evaluation suggests a drone strike, they emphasize that additional forensic and technical examinations are necessary to determine the exact method of attack.
Washington blamed the attack on Iran, saying the drone had been launched “directly” from the Islamic Republic. “We declare these claims completely worthless,” said Nasser Kanaani, spokesman for the Iranian foreign ministry, on Monday.
“Such claims are aimed at projecting, distracting public attention, and covering up for the full support of the US government for the crimes of the Zionist regime in Gaza,” he added.
Saturday's drone attack came less than a week after the US announced the formation of the so-called Operation Prosperity Guardian, described by US officials as a new “coalition of the willing” that seeks to counter the threat posed by Yemen in the Red Sea.
Although the Yemeni armed forces have been conducting the attacks against Israeli-linked vessels of their own accord, the Pentagon insists Iran is somehow involved.
Iran's navy showed off new cruise missiles after the Pentagon said that a drone launched from Iran struck a chemical tanker in the Indian ocean https://t.co/sTftGpsgH7 pic.twitter.com/ocHv7ssbxJ — Reuters (@Reuters) December 24, 2023
“The [Yemeni] resistance has its own tools […] and acts by its own decisions and capabilities,” Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri told Mehr News Agency on Saturday.
“The fact that certain powers, such as the US and the Israelis, suffer strikes from the resistance movement […] should in no way call into question the reality of the strength of the resistance in the region,” he added.
Is the author trying to be a comedian?
I am glad to see India stepping up on this issue.
So am I.
Hahaha. The very next sentence was “The Indian navy vowed to bring instant Karma to the perpetrators.”
Good one! You made me go look to see if it was in the article. LOLOL
How strong is the Navy of India?
They don’t let trannies in.
RE: How Strong is the Navy of India?
I asked Google’s Large Language Model Artificial Intelligence Chat Bot and here is its response:
___________________________________________________________
Assessing the strength of the Indian Navy is a complex task, as it depends on various factors and can be viewed from different perspectives. Here’s a breakdown of some key points to consider:
Strengths:
* Size and composition: The Indian Navy is one of the largest in the world, boasting around 150 ships (including auxiliaries) and 300 aircraft. This includes a diverse range of vessels, including two aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, submarines, and patrol boats.
* Modernization: The Navy is actively undergoing modernization, with indigenous ship building programs and acquisition of advanced weapons systems. The recent commissioning of the INS Vikrant, India’s first domestically built aircraft carrier, is a significant milestone.
* Geographical advantage: India’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean gives it a natural advantage in terms of maritime control and influence.
* Experienced personnel: The Navy has a long and rich history, with well-trained and experienced personnel.
CHALLENGES:
* Technological gap: While India is closing the gap, it still lags behind some major naval powers in terms of technological sophistication of its vessels and equipment.
Infrastructure limitations: The Navy’s infrastructure, including dockyards and repair facilities, needs further development to fully support its growing fleet.
* Manpower limitations: Despite its size, the Navy faces a manpower shortage, particularly in specialized fields.
Regional competition: India faces maritime challenges from Pakistan and China, requiring it to maintain a strong presence in the Indian Ocean.
OVERALL:
The Indian Navy is a formidable force in the Indian Ocean and a significant player on the global maritime stage. Its strengths in size, modernization, and geographical advantage are undeniable. However, it also faces challenges in technology, infrastructure, manpower, and regional competition.
Further considerations:
* The strength of the Navy needs to be assessed within the context of its specific roles and missions, which include defending India’s coastline, protecting its trade routes, and projecting power in the Indian Ocean.
* Comparing the Navy’s strength directly to other navies can be misleading, as different navies have different strengths and weaknesses based on their unique needs and priorities.
Thanks SeekandFind, very informative.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.