Defence Minister inaugurates Remote operations station at Porbandar

Porbandar, 25 August 2012

To enhance coastal security and provide protection from threats arising from seaward direction, a chain of static sensors covering entire coast of India is being launched. Post 26/11 terrorist attack in Mumbai, there was an emergent need to strengthen our Coastal Security apparatus.

After the recommendations made by the Group of Ministers (GoM) on reforming the National Security system post Kargil conflict, the project was progressed on a fast track. The Remote Operating Station (ROS), for Gujarat region for these sensors was inaugurated by Raksha Mantri Shri AK Antony on 25 Aug 12 at Coast Guard District Headquarters, Porbandar.

In order to define the project requirement, a detailed vulnerability Gap analysis and feasibility study was undertaken by the Indian Coast Guard along with other stake holders, viz. Director General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL), Indian Navy, concerned state Governments etc. Accordingly, it was conceptualized to provide real-time surveillance cover up to 25 nautical miles around the areas of high sensitivity and traffic density along our coast line.

The project of Chain of Static Sensors aims at preventing undetected intrusion by monitoring the movement of vessels plying along our coastline. It would also aid in enhancing the efficacy of Search and Rescue (SAR) operations coordinated by the Coast Guard. The sensor data generated by the Coastal Surveillance Network would also be shared with other maritime agencies via the National Command Communication Control and Intelligence (NCCCI) network to generate a comprehensive Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). It is the first of its kind both in terms of expanse and strategic implications. When the project will implement completely, would provide the much needed electronic eye to our maritime agencies and provide the envisaged impetus to the overall coastal security apparatus.

Upon integration of the entire Chain of Static Sensors, it would provide near gap free electronic surveillance of the entire Indian Coast line up to 25 nautical miles from the Coast.