Navy mulling forward operating base at Tuticorin: Rear Admiral

Indian Navy is planning to further develop the port capabilities of Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu to be able to make it as one of its forward operating bases, Rear Admiral K J Kumar said. The proposal to develop Tuticorin would help the Indian Navy a better reach in the disputed area.

Chennai: The Navy is thinking of setting up a forward operating base at Tuticorin for strengthening operations in the region, Rear Admiral K J Kumar said.

The Navy has also issued orders for 51 ships which is expected to be commissioned in the next 10 years, Kumar, Flag Officer Commanding, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval area, told reporters here on Wednesday.

"We have some expansion plans..we intend to set up a forward operating base at Tuticorin which will bolster our activities and operations in the Gulf of Mannar," he said.

Kumar was speaking after laying a wreath at the War Memorial on the occasion of Navy Day.

"We have 51 ships in order to be commissioned in the next 10 years. I am also proud to say 49 will be built in Indian shipyards in keeping with government's Make in India campaign," he said.