In a significant move aimed at enhancing maritime security, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, visited INS Kohassa, a critical Indian Naval Air Station located in North Andaman Island, on March 2, 2025. The visit focused on reviewing the operational readiness of the station and fostering interactions with naval personnel. This engagement highlights the Indian Navy’s ongoing commitment to secure the nation’s maritime frontiers and enhance its strategic presence in remote areas, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
During the visit, Admiral Tripathi expressed commendation for the naval personnel stationed at INS Kohassa, acknowledging their unwavering dedication and resilience in upholding high operational standards despite the challenges associated with remote deployments. He emphasized the strategic significance of INS Kohassa, particularly as it plays a vital role in fortifying India’s maritime security within the Andaman and Nicobar region, an area crucial for key sea lanes of communication.
A notable moment of the visit was the inauguration of Phase-2 of the Modernisation of Airfield Infrastructure (MAFI) project at the air station. This phase of modernization entails the installation of advanced navigational aid equipment, including a Mobile Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower as well as upgrades to the existing ATC Tower. The enhancements implemented through MAFI Phase-2 are anticipated to bolster the station’s capabilities in air traffic management, thereby enhancing its overall operational efficiency.
Moreover, these modernization initiatives are expected to benefit not only the Indian Navy but also facilitate civil aviation efforts in alignment with the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) Regional Connectivity Scheme, initiated by the Government of India. This strategy resonates with a broader objective of enhancing regional connectivity and accessibility, specifically in strategically located island territories.
INS Kohassa, which was commissioned in January 2019, serves as a pivotal airbase within the Andaman and Nicobar region. The facility extends the Navy’s surveillance reach, especially in areas such as the Bay of Bengal and the eastern Indian Ocean. Its role is indispensable for maritime domain awareness, anti-submarine warfare, and disaster relief operations, reinforcing its importance in the Indian Navy’s operational framework.
Admiral Tripathi’s visit underscores the Indian Navy’s sustained efforts to elevate its infrastructure and maintain readiness in key outposts. By enhancing surveillance capabilities, fortifying logistical support, and modernizing critical facilities, the Indian Navy continues to assert its position as a formidable maritime force dedicated to ensuring national security and fostering regional stability in the increasingly strategic Indo-Pacific theater.
