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The Indian Government is close on the heels of creating a new maritime security structure which will engage the Coastal Command and the Maritime Security Advisory Board (MSAB) in creating important links and mechanisms across the entire spectrum of maritime domain.
According to sources, the new command structure is being framed and will soon be put before the Cabinet Committee on Security for approval. Defence officials hinted that under the new structure, the Coastal Command will be headed by the Coast Guard Director General and the Maritime Security Advisory Board (MSAB) will have a Maritime Security Advisor as its chief. Both these chiefs will be three-star Admirals.
The recent Mumbai attacks have exposed the vulnerability of the 7,000 kilometer Indian coastline and the shortcomings of the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard and their lack of coordination. Hence, the need to create a national command control communication and intelligence network was felt in order to synergize the operations of the two maritime armies at the field and apex level. This will be done by linking the operations room.
The new maritime architecture will have a reinforced Coast Guard at its core and the Coastal Command will work as a coordinating mechanism. There will be a central operations room and regional hubs in coastal states to improve intelligence. Hence, the Coast Guard will be the key factor in securing the nation’s coastline with additional help from marine police. Coast Guard will get additional stations which will take the total to around 40 coastal stations. It will also receive the 1,000-strong Sagar Prahari Bal with 80 fast attack crafts.
The Indian Navy has also chalked out a procurement plan to the tune of $1.19 billion for the period between 2008-2012 which will include 5 offshore patrol vessels ($201 million), 25 inshore patrol vessels ($300 million), 10 fast patrol vessels ($130 million), 20 interceptor boats ($104 million), 12 Dornier Surveillance aircraft ($120 million), 14 Twin engine helicopters ($124 million) and 16 light helicopters ($64 million).
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