International Fleet Review 2016 concluded in Visakhapatnam

International Fleet Review (IFR) 2016 of the Indian Navy was concluded on 8 February 2016 along the coast of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.

The 5-day long event was hosted by the Indian Navy with the theme United through Oceans. It was attended by the President of India Pranab Mukherjee and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Features of International Fleet Review 2016

• The review was aimed at assuring the country of the Indian Navy’s preparedness, high morale and discipline.

• Considered as country’s biggest military exercise, friendly naval contingents from around the world joined Indian navy’s ships and submarines.

• It saw the participation of 50 navies, 90 ships, including 24 warships and over 70 aircraft. Besides, ships of Indian Coast Guard and mercantile marine also participated in the review.

• The list of participating countries included the 5 permanent members of the UNSC – the USA, China, the UK, Russia and France, South Korea, Brazil, Canada, etc.

• During the review, Indian navy showcased latest acquisitions such as carrier-borne MIG 29K strike fighter, the P8I long range maritime reconnaissance aircraft and the KM-31 AEW helicaptor.

• Indian Navy’s ships India’s biggest aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, INS Viraat, destroyers INS Mysore, INS Kolkata and frigates - INS Satpura and INS Shivalik, Teg participated in the event.

• Dolphin was chosen as the mascot for the IFR-2016.

About International Fleet Review

• A fleet review is a ceremonial and stately inspection of naval warships by the supreme commander of armed forces, the President of India.

• This was the second time an IFR was being held in India.

• The first IFR was held off the coast of Mumbai in 2001 when APJ Abdul Kalam was the President. 29 countries participated in that event.

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