Latest navy News | Top navy News Headlines Today | Today India news | Breaking navy News Today | English navy News Headlines - TheDailyGuardian

Russian Navy Commander Gudkov Killed During Frontline Clash

July 3, 2025, 8:17 pm

A senior Russian naval commander was fatally wounded on Wednesday, one of the highest-ranking military fatalities since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.

Deputy Navy Commander Mikhail Gudkov was killed in combat operations in the Kursk region bordering Ukraine, Russia’s Defense Ministry announced in a Telegram post Thursday.

High-Profile Military Loss for Russia

Gudkov, who was named deputy commander by President Vladimir Putin in March, is at least the 11th top Russian military officer to be killed since the February 2022 beginning of the war in Ukraine.

Gudkov was rewarded with Putin’s approval for his leadership of the Pacific Fleet’s 155th Naval Infantry Brigade, and Putin directed him to restructure the Navy’s marine infantry, which he commanded after he was appointed deputy commander. He was also responsible for all coastal missile and artillery forces as deputy commander.

Accusations Against Russian Gudkov’s Brigade

Ukraine asserted that the 155th Brigade participated in the occupation of Bucha in the Kyiv region in 2022 and perpetrated crimes against civilians there. Troops of the brigade were also accused by Kyiv of killing prisoners of war during the conflict.

A number of other servicemen were also killed in the incident, Interfax cited the governor of Primorsky Krai, Oleg Kozhemyako, as saying, but did not provide a precise figure for the casualties.

Strategic Implications of Gudkov’s Death

The death of Deputy Commander Gudkov is likely to resonate across the Russian military establishment. High-ranking casualties such as his underline the intense and ongoing nature of the fighting, particularly along the contested border regions like Kursk. His passing may further impact Russian command and control in operational areas, especially in managing the coastal missile and marine infantry divisions that he oversaw.

While Russian state media emphasized Gudkov’s service and honors, Ukrainian officials have pointed to his brigade’s alleged involvement in some of the most controversial and violent episodes of the war. With over two years of brutal combat having already claimed thousands of lives, Gudkov’s death adds to the growing toll on both sides of the conflict.

Two Navy Officers Rescued After Parachutes Entangle | Watch

January 3, 2025, 1:53 pm

Two naval officers had a narrow escape when their parachutes became entangled mid-descent during an operational demonstration rehearsal in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The incident took place at the Rama Krishna Breach as part of the Eastern Naval Command’s preparations for a major event. Thankfully, both officers were unharmed and reached the shore safely.

Entangled Parachutes Lead to Fall

The mishap occurred when one officer was descending while holding the national flag, and the other officer’s parachute became stuck. As a result, the officers lost height quickly and were unable to control their descent. This led to a fall into the water, just near the shore. Fortunately, a nearby navy boat was ready and rescued them promptly, ensuring their safety.

Upcoming Operational Demonstration

The rehearsal attracted several onlookers at the beach, with the official event scheduled for the following day. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is expected to be the chief guest for the occasion. The Operational Demonstration will showcase the Indian Navy‘s cutting-edge capabilities.

Highlights of the Event

The demonstration will feature a variety of impressive displays, including high-speed maneuvers by different types of warships, fighter aircraft flying operations, and helicopter exhibitions. Additionally, there will be amphibious assault demonstrations, live slithering operations, and Combat Free Fall by MARCOS (Marine Commandos). To add to the excitement, the Sea Cadets Corps from Visakhapatnam will perform a unique Horn Pipe Dance, and the ENC band will conduct the Beating Retreat Ceremony.

The Indian Navy MARCOS are fine. They did not collide; instead, the parachutes had become entangled. The rescue boats were nearby and reached the location where they had fallen.#Vizag pic.twitter.com/SRoKqJplhV

— Akash Sharma (@kaidensharmaa) January 3, 2025

Heroic Navy Saves Critically Injured Woman After Speedboat Collision on Mahanadi River

November 19, 2024, 1:01 pm

A quick response from Indian Navy personnel saved a woman’s life after a severe speedboat collision on the Mahanadi River in Cuttack on Friday.

Nandini Das, 25, sustained critical head injuries in the mishap, which occurred around one kilometer from the Balijatra ground. The accident happened when the propeller of a speedboat struck her during the crash.

A Navy diving team, led by Lieutenant Avinash, was conducting a reconnaissance mission in the river when they witnessed the collision. Acting immediately, the team sprang into action.

“The team members jumped to rescue the woman who was bleeding profusely, and took her ashore. They ran nearly one km carrying her on their shoulders and took her to the nearest police aid post,” stated Navy sources.

As an ambulance was delayed, the Navy personnel opted for an alternative mode of transport. They transported Das to SCB Medical College and Hospital in an auto-rickshaw, ensuring her treatment without further delay.

Das, who is now recovering in the emergency ward, has been declared out of danger.

Police officials later joined the woman’s family at the hospital. The swift and courageous efforts of the Navy personnel received high praise from hospital authorities.

Understanding Military Theaterisation

September 6, 2024, 2:15 am

Theaterisation is essentially an integration, of different service HQs prosecuting operations in a common front. All that front’s war fighting assets are placed under the command of that one theatre commander, thereby making his operational decisions faster and making him directly accountable for them. Doing so also reduces many duplications that occur if multiple Army/Navy/Air Force HQs in the same front do the same thing in a longer time cycle by coordination via their respective HQs at Delhi.

Is it needed? Yes 110%. As the experience of many battles over centuries have shown, the side which can decide, and act faster will have distinct advantage. This is also Col Boyd’s famous ‘OODA (observe, orient, decide and act) Cycle’. And if we need to at least match the OODA cycle of an adversary who has already made Theatre HQs, then we also need to make Theatre HQs. China has Theatre HQs, and Pakistan is unfortunately an “Army which has a country”, and its Army decides everything.

Who currently controls our military response? Each service (Army, Navy, and Air Force) currently has geographical Command HQs. Army has 6 regional Commands (North, West, South-Western, Southern, Central & Eastern), Navy 3 (Western, Eastern, & Southern) and Air Force 5 (Western, South-Western, Southern, Central & Eastern). While these commands are static HQs, actual military operations are done by the Army’s ‘Corps’, Navy’s ‘Fleets’ and Air Force Squadrons in their respective ‘Bases’, which are grouped under these 14 Regional Command HQs. Actions of/orders to these 14 HQs are currently given by their respective service HQs, who interact with each other for operations through HQ IDS (Integrated Defence Staff) – all at Delhi. Theaterisation threatens no service core competency or war fighting methodology and only leverages these for better outcomes.

Theaterisation envisages placing Corps/Fleet/Base operations under one integrated HQ for that front. In maybe 2-3 fronts, instead of current 14 HQs. Certainly, China and Pakistan fronts, and maybe a third maritime front to integrate all maritime responses against both conventional and non-conventional threats like the Mumbai attack. And at Delhi, coalescing services’ war-fighting branches under HQ IDS.

Will it work? Many countries have this concept in place including USA, UK, and China. Russia too was compelled to do something akin in the middle of the Ukraine conflict. For India, we need to find our own distinct solutions for each front. Do we have a precedence? Yes. The “Kargil Review Committee” (KRC) and “Group of Ministers” (GoM) reports tabled in Parliament in year 2000, felt this need for integration and on acceptance of their recommendations, the Govt on 01 Oct 2001 issued orders for raising HQ IDS and HQ ANC (Andaman & Nicobar Command) as integrated tri-service organisations. Prior that we had tri-service training establishments of NDA (National Defence Academy), DSSC (Defence Services Staff College) and NDC (National Defence College). 23 years of ANC – which also has Coast Guard under it, bear testimony of the viability of the concept of an Integrated HQ. ANC was raised to be under CDS “operational command”, but he was only appointed 18-years later, in Jan 2020.

What has been the ANC experience? Foremost – ‘it works’, and greatly reduces the OODA cycle. But works as envisaged, when under unitary and not committee command. Commander-in-Chief ANC (CINCAN) in an ‘interim arrangement’ prior CDS appointment was under operational control of a committee of three Service Chiefs (Chiefs-of-Staff Committee – COSC). 18 years witnessed hamstrung decision making since authority and accountability were not focussed, and service interests often over-rode ANC recommendations due to conflicts of interest. By way of integration, despite yeoman steps by our first and later CINCANS, it was due to this that reform was slow and a lot more got done towards integration at ANC in three years after the CDS appointment, than in the preceding 18 years. These efforts were greatly aided by the MoD’s visionary decision of Jun 2017 to merge all Army/Navy/Air Force/Coast-Guard lands at ANC under the CINCAN – since they are all Govt lands. This greatly empowered CINCAN’s integrative actions, which now just need CDS approval. Integrated operations, logistics, communications – including a common LAN, land use, infrastructure planning, Station HQ for administrative issues, Messes, sports and CSD facilities and many other such ANC initiatives between 2021-23 are successful examples of how these can be replicated on the mainland too. Something the Hon’ble Prime Minister yet again encouraged the Services to do during the Combined Commanders Conference at Bhopal on 01 April 2023.

Towards this, a lot of integrative work has been done by the CDS and Service Chiefs – away from media glare by keeping their discussions private. Some clarity by the Govt, on allocation of four additional 4-star ranks for the three theatre commanders and the Vice CDS (VCDS) and possible similar integration of all MoD lands -including Coast Guard and its lands, as planning terms of reference, will go a long way in enabling early plan finalisation. Additional aspects are elaborated in an article “3-Elephants of Theaterisation” published on 12 Aug 24 in the Daily Guardian.

There will be turf resistance, but a Govt which has raised ANC and HQ IDS in 2001, merged ANC lands in 2017, appointed a CDS in 2020, and has been encouraging the Services to theaterise for many years now, will certainly have the resolve to make this most transformative military change of independent India. Needed now in National interests, is for other political parties to respect and support this urgent theaterisation need. Because enemies at our borders will not wait for us to first get our act together. And there are no silver medallists in war.

Lt Gen Ajai Singh, a 5th generation soldier, Kargil & Siachen war veteran and former CINCAN authored “Army HQ Reorganisation” post Dokalam (more agile/accountable decision making) & ‘Army Strategic Re-orientation” after Galwan.

Watch: Putin Greets Indian Navy On INS Tabar During Russian Navy Day

July 29, 2024, 9:38 am

Russian President Vladimir Putin extended greetings to Indian Navy personnel aboard INS Tabar on Sunday, as the vessel participated in Russia’s Navy Day celebrations. The event, held on the Neva River in St. Petersburg, saw Putin reviewing the Main Naval Parade and congratulating Russian Navy sailors.

Since its inception in 2017, the parade has honored the Navy’s contributions to national defense. This year’s parade featured 20 Russian surface ships, gunboats, four sailing vessels, and a submarine. Foreign participants included India’s INS Tabar, Algeria’s training ship Soummam, and China’s destroyer Jiaozuo. Approximately 2,500 troops also marched in St. Petersburg.

WATCH THE VIDEO:

INS Tabar Greeted By Vladimir Putin On Russia’s Navy Day

The Mumbai-based Talwar-class frigate was born not far from St. Petersburg, where today’s celebrations were taking place.

Captain Mahesh Mangipudi and his crew’s ship was commissioned on April 19, 2004 in the Russian city… pic.twitter.com/FNxyzDMxyx

— RT_India (@RT_India_news) July 28, 2024

The Indian Navy, in a statement, emphasized that INS Tabar’s visit underscores the maritime cooperation between India and Russia, aligning with India’s “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” policy, which means “the world is one family.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Russia, where he met with President Putin. During this visit, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, stressing the need for a “just and enduring peace” in Ukraine, as stated by the US State Department.

These discussions follow Modi’s visit to Russia and come amid reports of his planned visit to Ukraine by the last week of August. This visit would mark Modi’s first to Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022, a move that reportedly left Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy “disappointed.”

INS Tabar: A Stealth Frigate Built for India in Russia

INS Tabar, a stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, was built in Russia. Commissioned in 2004 in Kaliningrad, the Talwar-class frigate boasts a versatile range of weapons and sensors. As one of the earliest stealth frigates in the Indian Navy, INS Tabar is an integral part of the Western Fleet and is based in Mumbai under the Western Naval Command.

This latest participation in Russia’s Navy Day celebrations highlights the continued strong maritime ties between India and Russia, showcasing the capabilities and contributions of INS Tabar on an international stage.

Frigate INS Brahmaputra Fire: Severe Damage to Port Side; Sailor Missing

July 23, 2024, 1:11 am

INS Brahmaputra, an Indian Navy frigate, is resting on its side after a major fire broke out on the ship. The Navy stated on Monday that they are searching for a sailor who has been missing since the fire incident.

The fire broke out on INS Brahmaputra on July 21. It was brought under control by the ship’s crew with the assistance of firefighters from Mumbai’s naval dockyard. Despite efforts, the ship suffered severe listing to its port side and could not be brought back to an upright position.

The Navy has ordered an inquiry into the incident. In a statement, they said, “A fire had broken out onboard the Indian Naval Ship Brahmaputra, a multi-role frigate, on the evening of 21 July 2024 while she was undergoing refit. The fire was brought under control by the ship’s crew with the assistance of firefighters from the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, and other ships in the harbour, by the morning of 22 July 2024. Further, follow-on actions including sanitisation checks for assessment of residual risk of fire were carried out.”

The statement continued, “In the fire incident onboard the frigate INS Brahmaputra, the warship experienced severe listing to one side (port side). Despite all efforts, the ship could not be brought to the upright position. The ship continued to list further alongside her berth and is presently resting on one side.”

The Navy also noted that all personnel had been accounted for except one junior sailor, for whom the search is ongoing. They stated, “All personnel have been accounted for except one junior sailor, for whom the search is in progress. An inquiry has been ordered by the Indian Navy to investigate the accident.”

The incident underscores the challenges and risks involved in maintaining and refitting naval vessels, particularly those as significant as multi-role frigates like INS Brahmaputra.

India-France Naval Exercises in Bay of Bengal Showcase Symphony of Teamwork and Strategy

February 18, 2024, 1:26 pm

Aircraft from the Indian and French Navies recently collaborated over the Bay of Bengal, showcasing a display of teamwork and strategy. The Indian Navy highlighted this joint effort on social media, emphasizing the importance of the partnership.

The Indian Navy’s post underscored that the shared experiences and lessons learned by the crews will significantly strengthen the bonds of friendship between India and France. “The invaluable lessons and experiences shared between the crews will significantly enhance the interoperability, strengthening the bridges of friendship between India and France,” the post stated.

Earlier this month, the 17th Indian Navy (IN) and French Navy (FN) staff talks took place in New Delhi, focusing on ongoing naval activities and exploring new avenues of cooperation. Held from February 6 to 7, the discussions encompassed operational, training, and Subject Matter Expert exchanges.

In a social media post, the Indian Navy noted that the talks broadened the scope of naval engagements, fostering fruitful discussions on various areas of cooperation. Both navies acknowledged the increasing cooperation and agreed to enhance collaboration and interoperability in the maritime domain.

The strategic partnership between India and France is built on the pillars of defence and security, as well as space and civil nuclear matters, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. The two countries are expanding their cooperation into new areas such as maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region, digitalization, cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, climate change, renewables, and sustainable growth and development.

INS Sujata visits Mozambique’s Port Maputo

March 21, 2023, 5:24 pm

Indian Navy patrol vessel INS Sujata visited Port Maputo in Mozambique from 19 March to 21 March during its overseas deployment. The ship was welcomed by Captain Nitin Kapoor, DA Pretoria, Commandant NRN Siva Babu, Coast Guard Afloat Support Team, and Captain Florentino Jose’ Narciso from the Mozambican Navy.

The Mozambican Navy gave the ship a traditional welcome with fanfare and dance performances, according to an official press release issued by the Ministry of Defense on Tuesday.

The commanding officer of INS Sujata called on several military and civilian dignitaries, including Rear Admiral Eugenio Dias Da Silva Muatuca, commander of the Mozambican Navy. Ankan Banerjee, the Mayor of Maputo, the High Commissioner of India, and several other military and civilian officials were present.

The formal statement revealed that about 40 personnel of the Mozambican Navy visited the ship for cross-deck training which included training on various aspects of naval operations such as briefings about diving operations, training on VBSS and light weapons, a walk around of training facilities, visual communication and maintenance of machinery, and hygiene onboard.

Navies of both nations also organized various other activities such as yoga sessions and soccer matches to enhance mutual cooperation and bilateral ties between them. The visit by INS Sujata at Maputo, Mozambique expected to strengthen defense ties and cooperation between India and Mozambique.

MHA announces 10 per cent reservation in CISF for Former Agniveers

March 17, 2023, 1:49 pm

The 10 percent reservation for former Agniveers in vacancies in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Union home ministry has announced a week after it notified a similar quota for them in the BSF.

The announcement was made through a notification after amending the rules made under the Central Industrial Security Force Act, of 1968, (50 of 1968).

‘The upper age limit shall be relaxable up to five years for candidates of the first batch of former Agniveers and up to three years for candidates of other batches, and will also be exempted from the physical efficiency test’ said the ministry.

The Centre had on June 14 last year unveiled the ambitious Agnipath scheme for the recruitment of youths aged between 17-and-a-half and 21 in the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force, largely on a four-year short-term contractual basis. Those recruited under the scheme are known as Agniveers.

After the completion of the four-year tenure, 25 percent of the recruits from each batch will be offered regular service. Those who join the armed forces even at the upper age limit of 21 years under the Agnipath scheme can be recruited by the CISF till the age of 30 after four years of service in the Army, the Air Force,e or the Navy in the case of the first batch and till 28 years for the subsequent batches.

The home ministry’s decision for the absorption of Agniveers into paramilitary forces is significant as it will help the former Agniveers get employment opportunities till the age of retirement.

‘Lot of Chinese ships which operate in the Indian Ocean Region’, says Navy Chief

December 3, 2022, 5:18 pm

The Indian Army is keeping a close watch on all the developments which are happening in the Indian Ocean.

Meanwhile, Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar on Saturday said that the Indian Navy is also keeping watch on the movement of Chinese Navy ships that operate in the region.

During an annual presser, the Navy Chief said, “There are a lot of Chinese ships which operate in the Indian Ocean Region. We have about 4-6 PLA Navy ships, then some research vessels which operate. A large number of Chinese fishing vessels operate in the Indian Ocean Region. We keep a close watch on all developments.”

Moreover, in the Indian Ocean Region, nearly 60-odd other extra-regional forces are always present.

“We are aware it’s a vital region where there is a large amount of trade which transits, energy flows which happen. Our job is to see that India’s interests in the maritime domain are protected,” Navy Chief added.

Reportedly Navy Chief remarks came when Chinese spy ships were reported in the Indian Ocean Region.

“To achieve that, we need to be ready to go in harm’s way at really short notice,” Navy Chief said.

“The Navy is ready to Protect, preserve and promote is India’s national interest in the maritime domain. To achieve this, we have the vision of being a combat-ready, credible, cohesive, and future-proof force,” Admiral R Hari Kumar said.

However, after witnessing the Russia-Ukraine war, India cannot stay dependent on the world for its defense requirements.

“Recent global events amply underscore that we can’t remain dependent on others for our own security requirements… Government has given us very clear guidelines on Aatmanirbhar Bharat and one of the Navy’s commitments to the top leadership is that we’ll become an Aatmanirbhar Navy by 2047,” Navy Chief said.

341 women inducted as sailors, says Navy Chief

December 3, 2022, 3:54 pm

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R. Hari Kumar on Saturday informed that in the navy 341 out of 3,000 Agniveer inducted are women as a sailor. The training of women sailors will be the same as men.

“First batch of agniveers already reported, about 3000 agniveers have joined out of whom about 341 are women. Come next year, we are looking at women officers being inducted across all branches and not just the 7-8 branches they are restricted to as of today,” the Navy chief said.

Meanwhile, Admiral R. Hari Kumar further said, “It’s the first time women are being inducted into the ranks. We are not inducting women separately. They are being inducted in the same manner as their male counterparts. It’s a uniform method of selection. They undergo similar tests.”

Earlier, Navy Chief said they are looking to become a gender-neutral force that looks at the capability of the individual.

“They’ll be deployed on ships, airbases, aircraft. They will be trained for everything the way a normal sailor is trained. There is going to be no difference in training. We’re looking at being a gender-neutral force where we only look at the capability of the individual,” the Navy chief stated.

Moreover, in the last year Navy had a very intense and engaging time, said Admiral Hari Kumar. The INS Vikrant was a landmark event for India.

We have started deploying women sailors: Navy Chief

November 30, 2022, 1:18 pm

Navy Chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar stated on Wednesday that women are now being inducted into the Indian Navy, further emphasising the services’ gender neutrality. There are already female fighter pilots and air operations officers in the Navy.

The Navy Chief added that in the upcoming year, women will be allowed to join all remaining branches. The Navy chief was addressing the National Defense Academy’s (NDA) passing out parade in Khadakwasla, Pune.

“Services are gender-neutral. Already there are women in combat roles. There are fighter pilots and air operations officers in the Navy. Now all branches are being opened in the coming year, we have started inducting women sailors as well. It is a landmark achievement,” said the Navy chief.

Reportedly, 82,000 applications out of 10 lakh received for the Indian Navy, were from women.

“We have had a good response, for 3000 vacancies, we had almost 10 lakh applicants, of whom 82,000 were women. We don’t know finally how many of them will meet all the standards because we do not have separate standards for education, physical fitness because the job is the same,” the Navy chief added.

The 143rd course of the NDA’s passing out parade began early on Wednesday morning at Khadakwasla in Pune’s Khetrapal Parade Ground.

It is noteworthy that Admiral Kumar is a graduate of the esteemed National Defense Academy in Khadakwasla. On January 1st, 1983, he was commissioned into the Indian Navy.

Protest in Rameswaram erupts over arrest of fishermen by Sri Lankan navy

November 8, 2022, 4:40 pm

Fishermen in Thangachimadam village, Rameswaram protested and demanded the immediate release of fishermen and boats seized in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan navy arrested 15 of the fishermen and their 2 boats, who went to sea from Rameswaram on 5^th November. Following the arrest, the fishermen of Rameswaram went on strike and protested against the arrest while criticising the Sri Lankan navy for the arrest. They condemned the central and state governments for not taking any action to stop the illegal activities of the Sri Lankan Navy and also demanded from government to fulfil their demands.

A demonstration was led by All Fishermen’s Union Secretary Jesuraj where they raised slogans demanding the immediate release of fishermen and boats seized in Sri Lanka. Meanwhile Tamil Nadu chief minister M. K Stalin also wrote to EAM S. Jaishankar to take immediate action to get the fishermen and their boats released.

Sri Lankan navy conducted operations in seas north of Talaimannar to chase away Indian poaching trawlers from Sri Lanka’s waters. The operations resulted in the apprehension of the 02 Indian trawlers with 15 Indian fishermen.

“As an extension of these efforts, the North Central Naval Command mounted a special operation this evening, having spotted a cluster of Indian poaching trawlers in Sri Lanka’s waters, in seas north of Talaimannar. Thus, two (02) Fast Attack Craft of the 4th Fast Attack Flotilla (4 FAF) attached to the Northern Naval Command were deployed for this operation and it led to the seizure of 02 Indian poaching trawlers that continued to remain in the island’s waters, with 15 Indian fishers,” read a statement from Sri Lankan Navy.