President Ram Nath Kovind reviewed the Indian Navy fleet during the President’s Fleet Review-2022 off the Visakhapatnam coast in Bay of Bengal.

The parade showcased the preparedness of the Indian Navy for any contingency.

With the theme ‘75 years in Service of the Nation,’ Indian Navy showcased its latest state-of-art indigenously built combat platforms during the 12th edition of the President's Fleet Review (PFR), which was also conducted as part of the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence.

The PFR was followed by the release of a special ‘First Day Cover’ and a commemorative stamp by the President.

Visakhapatnam is the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) of the Indian Navy. It has the largest geographical spread amongst all the Commands of the Indian Armed Forces, extending from Kolkata to Kanyakumari. 

What is President's Fleet Review?

• Historically, a fleet review is an assembly of ships at a pre-designated place for the purpose of paying respects to the sovereign of a nation and to display their commitment to him/her. In turn, the sovereign by reviewing the ships reaffirms his faith in the fleet and its ability to defend the nation’s maritime interests.

• The earliest recorded Indian Fleet Review was in the 18th century by the powerful Maratha Fleet consisting of ‘Ghurabs’ and ‘Gallivats’ under the renowned Sarkhel (Grand Admiral) Kanhoji Angre at the coastal fortress of Ratnagiri. 

• In Britain, a Fleet Review was a precursor to setting sail for war or was conducted  on special occasions like the coronation of a new monarch. 

• In the US, the ‘Great White Fleet’ meant to project American power overseas, was reviewed by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1907, prior to departure, and once again in 1909, on its return to the country.

• The President of India, as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, reviews the fleet once during the five-year tenure.

• The first PFR was conducted in 1953 under Dr Rajendra Prasad. In 1964, the second edition of PFR was conducted by Defence Minister Y.B. Chavan.

• Over the years, the PFR has seen participation of ships, submarines and aircrafts to emphasise the three-dimensional nature of the Indian Navy. 

• In India, the assemblage of warships for a review has taken on a more celebratory tone, free of belligerent intentions. Of late, reviews have also assumed a multinational hue, with warships of friendly nations participating in a display of friendship and maritime camaraderie.

• When ships in review consist of only Indian ships, the event is termed as President’s Fleet Review. When it includes foreign warships, it is called International Fleet Review.

12th edition of the PFR

• After a 21-Gun Salute and ceremonial Guard of Honour, the President embarked on INS Sumitra, an indigenously built naval offshore patrol vessel designated as the Presidential Yacht. 

• The Presidential Yacht sailed past 44 ships from the Navy, Coast Guard, Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) and ministry of earth sciences (MES) lined up in four columns at anchorage off Visakhapatnam. 

• A flypast was conducted as a part of the static review of the Fleet. During the final stage of the review, a mobile column of warships and submarines carried out high-speed steam past alongside the Presidential yacht. 

• Several waterfront activities by Parade of Sails, search and rescue demonstration at sea, aerobatics by Hawk aircraft and water para jumps by the elite Marine Commandos (MARCOS) were held.

• As the Presidential Yacht passed between the review columns, the crew of each ship saluted the President with the traditional ‘Three Jais’, a symbolic act called “Man and Cheer Ship”, in a demonstration of the unconditional allegiance to the country and the Supreme Commander.

• The President also witnessed demonstrations in the form of a composite flypast by 55 aircraft including Chetaks, ALH, Sea Kings, KAMOVs, Dorniers, IL-38SD, P8I, Hawks and MiG 29K.

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