Porbandar, Gujarat

India moved its coast guard air strip closer to the international maritime border and Pakistan by about 240 nautical miles when Minister of state for Defense MM Pallam Raju commissioned the Coast Guard Air Enclave at Porbandar.

This is the first commissioned air base in Gujarat. The enclave will function under the administrative and operational control of the Commander of the Coast Guard District Headquarters 1, headed by the Commandant P Chandramaoli takes care of the Gujarat, Daman and Diu stretch.

The commissioning of this enclave in the presence of Indian Coast Guard chief Vice Admiral RF Contractor has boosted the coordinated air-sea mission and enhanced the capabilities of surveillance in the areas.

The ICGAE is responsible for safeguarding the 1600-Km-long coastline, sensitive Indian Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) with Pakistan, monitoring the dense merchant ships traffic in gulf areas, surveillance in adjoining Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

The enclave is about 120 nautical miles from the international maritime border. The earlier enclave at Daman was about 360 nautical miles away.

The strategic location of the enclave enhances its importance in the operations hub. In addition to maritime surveillance, the primary role of the enclave will be search and rescue, pollution response, law enforcement and casualty evacuation.

The unit is poised to take on greater challenges once its aircraft strength is augmented. The sophisticated surveillance systems, sensots, weapons and communication equipment onboard the aircraft will act as a deterent and forewarn us of any attempts made by anti-national elements along the Gujarat coast. It will also go long way in responding to threats caused due to natural calamities and ecological disasters,” Raju said in his inaugural remarks.

The enclave will initially operate a Dornier fixed wing surveillance aircraft and a multi-utility Chetak helicopter. This air power would enhance the capabilities of 18 afloat units available in Gujarat for better search and surveillance of the coast and adjoining sea areas.

It is important to note that Gujarat has the longest coastline(more than 1600 Km) of all states in India. The state assumes prominence due to its proximity to Pakistan. About 23,000 fishing boats operate out of various coastal villages in the state. The Gulf of Kutch and the Gulf of Khambhat handle around 80% of oil imports in India.

The Gulf also harbour rich coastal and marine ecosystem. The coastline of Gujarat, Daman and Diu with largest EEZ is being monitored continuously by Coast Guard ships, aircraft and air cushion vehicles. Currently, there are three Coast Guard stations at Jakhau, Okha and Vadinar in Gujarat. Stations at Pipavav and Veraval will be commissioned soon.

Chetak

Engine: One (Artouste)
Length: 42 feet
Max all up weight: 2200 kg
Max speed: 113 knot
Endurance (approx): 2 hours 30 minutes
Crew: 3

Dornier

Engine: Two(Garrett)
Length: 52 feet
Max all up weight: 6400 Kg
Max speed: 200 knot
Endurance(approx): 6 hours
Crew: 3

Role and Capabilities of both aircrafts: Reconnaissance, search and rescue, pollution response, armament, medical evacuations and logistics.