Vice Admiral V Srinivas, PVSM, AVSM, NM, recently inspected INS Parundu, a key air station situated near Uchipuli in the Ramanathapuram district. The visit on July 17, 2025, was part of a strategic review focusing on the air station’s essential role in the Indian Navy’s maritime surveillance operations, covering vital waters such as the South East Bay of Bengal, the Gulf of Mannar, and the Palk Strait.
During the inspection, Vice Admiral Srinivas assessed various aspects of the station, including its operational readiness and infrastructure. A significant focus was placed on INS Parundu’s expanding role in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-based reconnaissance. Commissioned in 2009 and evolving from the former Ramnad Civil Aerodrome, the air station has developed operational significance since the 1980s, particularly during the Sri Lankan Civil War. Today, it operates an array of platforms, including IAI Heron and Searcher Mk II drones, alongside the legacy HAL Chetak helicopters.
The Vice Admiral took the opportunity to interact with the naval personnel stationed at INS Parundu, appreciating their dedication to coastal security and intelligence operations within a region critical to national interests. His visit also served to reinforce the Southern Naval Command’s pivotal position as the Indian Navy’s primary training command, overseeing over 20 top training institutions nationwide.
INS Parundu’s continued use of HAL Chetak helicopters, initially inducted into the Navy during the 1960s, exemplifies a strategic blend of tried-and-true assets alongside modern technology, such as the Kamov Ka-31, which enhances maritime awareness capabilities.
In addition to its military functions, there are plans to open INS Parundu for civilian operations under the government’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS). This initiative reflects the air station’s increasing importance not only for defense but also for regional developmental efforts.
The Admiral’s visit highlights the Indian Navy’s commitment to bolstering its surveillance capabilities along the southeastern coastline of India, emphasizing readiness and preparedness in regions crucial to the nation’s security.
