Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid foundation stone for the Indian Navy’s Very Low Frequency (VLF) communication transmission radar station in Damagundam forest area in Vikarabad district of Telangana today.
The strategically-important VLF facility, once it becomes fully operational in two-three years, will provide round-the-clock encrypted communication connectivity to submerged submarines across India’s entire area of interest. Indian Navy will utilise this advanced facility to seamlessly communicate with its stealthy predators including ships and submarines out on long-range patrols.
“The facility, built at a cost of Rs 3,200 crore, will be spread across 2,900 acres. It will bolster the Indian Navy’s operational readiness, ensuring effective command and control capabilities in challenging maritime environments. It will play a pivotal role in strengthening the Naval communication infrastructure, enabling reliable and secure transmission over long distances,” the Defence Ministry said.
Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh laid the foundation stone for Very Low Frequency (VLF) Station in Vikarabad, Telangana, to bolster Navy’s operational readiness. This cutting-edge facility will ensure secure & real-time communication between ships/submarines & command centers,… pic.twitter.com/y4JP34dcwc
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) October 15, 2024
VLF radio waves, which operate in a frequency band of 3 to 30 Kilohertz, can penetrate seawater to a certain depth for such purposes. Only a few nations have such VLF capabilities, which are especially critical for “command and control” of nuclear submarines deployed on long-range deterrent patrols.
Speaking on the occasion, Raksha Mantri exuded confidence that the VLF station would expand the military capabilities of the country, proving to be a boon to the Armed Forces. He asserted that the high-tech VLF station, once operational, would not just be a military establishment, but a strategic asset of national importance.
“Effective coordination between men and machines is becoming extremely important in view of the evolving methods of warfare. This VLF station is being built with the vision of securing our maritime interests. It will ensure secure and real-time communication between our ships & submarines with the command centres of the Armed Forces. A fool-proof communication proves to be a decisive factor between victory and defeat. Without real time communication, we cannot gain an edge despite having adequate equipment or manpower,” Singh said.
This is the second VLF communication transmission station in India, with INS Kattabomman Radar Station at Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu being the first.
The new state-of-the-art VLF facility at Vikarabad is necessary for “maintaining 24x7x365 communication” for the planned induction of both diesel-electric as well as nuclear submarines, with an eye firmly on China’s increasing naval forays into the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
In his address, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi stated that the project is set to herald a new chapter in Indian Navy’s communication capabilities by ensuring a secure, robust, responsive, and reliable command, control and communication network across the oceans. He added that the facility, once completed, would complement the existing VLF station at INS Kattabomman, in Tirunelveli.
“This VLF station would play an important role in enabling the seamless secure worldwide communication, including most importantly, with our dived submarines, thus ensuring their stealth and enhanced effectiveness. May it stand tall, as a testament to the strength and standing of our nation today, and the unwavering commitment of our Navy to protect and promote our National Maritime Interests – Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow,” Navy Chief said.
Vikarabad was chosen for its strategic location for setting up the facility due to its geographical advantages. The district’s lack of mountains and high altitude allows for nearly 300 kilometres of unobstructed signal transmission. The location, situated about 250 feet above sea level, was identified for the facility by the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam.
The station is expected to be completed by 2027.
Team BharatShakti
