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{{Short description|Indian Navy base located near Karwar in Karnataka}}
{{EngvarB|date=May 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}}

{{coord|14|45|51.20|N|74|7|42.36|E|display=title}}
{{Infobox military installation
|name = INS Kadamba
|native_name =
|partof =
|location = [[Karwar]], [[Karnataka]]
|image =
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|type = Naval station
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|built = {{Start date|2005}}
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|used = 2005–present
|demolished =
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|open_to_public =
|controlledby = [[Indian Navy]]
|garrison =
|current_commander =
|commanders =
|occupants = [[Western Naval Command]]
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|pushpin_map=India}}

'''INS Kadamba or Naval Base Karwar or Project Seabird''' is an [[Indian Navy]] base located near [[Karwar]] in [[Karnataka]].<ref name=in-kadamba>{{cite web|url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/kadamba.htm |title=INS Kadamba |publisher=Indian Navy |access-date=4 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111208193718/http://indiannavy.nic.in/kadamba.htm |archive-date=8 December 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The first phase of construction of the base, code-named ''Project Seabird'', was completed in 2005 and the base was commissioned on 31 May 2005.<ref name=in8j>{{cite web|title=INS Kadamba|url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/about-indian-navy/ins-kadamba|publisher=Indian Navy|access-date=8 July 2013}}</ref> Development of Phase II commenced in 2011. INS Kadamba is currently the third largest [[Naval base|Indian naval base]], and is expected to become the largest naval base in the [[Eastern Hemisphere|eastern hemisphere]] after completion of expansion Phase IIB. The construction of Naval Base covers an area of 11,169 acres in Phase I.<ref name="dnow">[http://www.defencenow.com/news/685/karwar-naval-base-gears-up-for-second-phase-of-expansion-at-a-cost-of-about-$-3-billion.html] Karwar Naval Base Gears Up For Second Phase of Expansion at a Cost of About $3 Billion</ref><ref name=it20d04 /> The Navy’s [[aircraft carrier]] [[INS Vikramaditya]] is based at [[Karwar]]. The base also has the country’s first [[sealift]] facility, a unique “[[shiplift]]” and transfer system for docking and undocking [[ship]]s and [[submarine]]s.

==History==
During the [[Indo-Pakistan War of 1971]], the Indian Navy faced security challenges for its Western Fleet in [[Mumbai Harbour]] due to congestion in the shipping lanes from commercial shipping traffic, fishing boats and tourists. At the end of the war, various options were considered on addressing these concerns.<ref name=did-karwar>{{cite news|url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/india-opens-major-naval-base-at-karwar-0647/|title=India Opens Major Western Naval Base Near Karwar|publisher=Defense Industry Daily|date=17 October 2011|access-date=1 January 2012}}</ref> Alternative locations for a base on the west coast were evaluated, including [[Thiruvananthapuram]], [[Kannur]] and [[Thoothukudi]].<ref name=br-seabird>{{cite news|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/Articles/Article18.html|title=Seabird on course|publisher=Frontline|date=20 December 2003|access-date=4 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108071023/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/Articles/Article18.html|archive-date=8 January 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In the early 1980s, then [[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Chief of the Naval Staff]] [[Oscar Stanley Dawson|Admiral Oscar Stanley Dawson]] conceived of a dedicated naval base sandwiched between the craggy hills of the [[Western Ghats]] and the [[Arabian Sea]] near Karwar in Karnataka state. Located south of the naval bases in [[Mumbai]] and [[Goa]] and north of [[Kochi]], the location had significant advantages as being very close to the world's busiest shipping route between the [[Persian Gulf]] and [[east Asia]] and out of range of most strike aircraft from neighboring countries. It also offered a natural deep-water harbour and significant land area for expansion, allowing larger aircraft carriers to berth. However, due to a variety of reasons, including the [[1991 India economic crisis|1991 economic crisis]], development was delayed.<ref name=it20d04 />

===Project Seabird===
In 1999, following [[Pokhran-II]], then [[Defence Minister of India|Defence Minister]] [[George Fernandes]] approved ''Project Seabird'' to pursue the construction of the new naval base at Karwar. [[Larsen & Toubro]] was the lead contractor for the marine works on the harbour, in partnership with [[Hochtief]], Ballast Nadem Dredging of the Netherlands, Radisson of Australia and Nedeco of The Netherland. Over {{convert|5|km|spell=in|abbr=on}} of [[breakwater (structure)|breakwater]] were constructed using over 4.4 million cubic metres of rock to protect the harbour.<ref name=id-kadamba>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiadefence.com/kadamba.htm|title=INS Kadamba - Naval Base at Karward|publisher=India Defence|date=1 June 2005|access-date=4 January 2012}}</ref> The Binaga Bay was dredged and its rock outcrops blasted to allow even large aircraft carriers to turn inside the bay. [[Anjadip Island]] is one of the two islands to which the breakwaters are linked for reinforcement. A second channel will be added to the base to allow warships to enter and exit the port simultaneously.<ref name=it20d04 />

==Phase I expansion==
[[File:INS Delhi (D61) docked using the shiplift system at Naval Ship Repair Yard at INS Kadamba (Karwar).jpg|thumb|{{INS|Delhi|D61|6}} docked using the ship-lift system at Naval Ship Repair Yard at INS Kadamba.]]
Spread over an area of {{convert|45|km2|acre}} and {{convert|23|km|mi|abbr=on}} of coastline on the [[Arabian Sea]], Phase I of INS ''Kadamba'' was commissioned on 31 May 2005.<ref name=rediff-commissioned>{{cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2005/may/31navy.htm|title=INS Kadamba commissioned|publisher=Rediff|date=31 May 2005|access-date=4 January 2012}}</ref><ref name=hindu-takesoff>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/05/22/stories/2005052200111100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050523212054/http://www.hindu.com/2005/05/22/stories/2005052200111100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 May 2005|title=Karwar naval project takes off from May 31|date=22 May 2005|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=4 January 2012}}</ref> The expanded base opened in 2007, with space for up to 11 front-line warships and 10 smaller FIC-type boats. Key facilities include the 10,000 tonne, {{convert|175|x|28|m|abbr=on}} ship lift, a ship transfer system for dry docking at the Naval Ship Repair Yard, and a 141-bed naval hospital [[INHS Patanjali|INHS ''Patanjali'']].<ref name="did" >[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/india-opens-major-naval-base-at-karwar-0647/] India Opens Major Western Naval Base Near Karwar</ref><ref name=hindu-commissioned>{{cite news|url=http://hindu.com/2005/06/01/stories/2005060105071400.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050603030659/http://www.hindu.com/2005/06/01/stories/2005060105071400.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 June 2005|title=INS Kadamba commissioned|date=1 June 2005|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=4 January 2012}}</ref> Naval Ship Repair Yard commenced functioning in July 2006 and the ship-lift was commissioned on 8 November 2006.<ref>{{cite web|title=Naval Ship Repair Yard (Karwar)|url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/about-indian-navy/nsry-karwar|publisher=Indian Navy|access-date=28 March 2014}}</ref> Commodore K P Ramachandran was the first Commanding Officer of INS ''Kadamba''.

Phase-I was completed at a total cost of {{INRConvert|2629|c|0}}.<ref>{{cite news|title=Green nod for radar station at Narcondam in Andamans|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/environment/developmental-issues/green-nod-for-radar-station-at-narcondam-in-andamans/articleshow/36411949.cms|access-date=12 June 2014|publisher=The Economic Times|date=12 June 2014}}</ref>

==Phase II expansion==
[[File:India Government ProjectSeabird 1-710x531.jpg|thumb|Karwar Naval Base]]
Development of Phase II of INS Kadamba was supposed to commence in 2011<ref name=did-karwar/> but got delayed due to lack of environmental clearance. The Phase-IIA expansion approval was obtained from the [[Cabinet Committee on Security]] in 2012, after getting approval from then [[A. K. Antony|Defence Minister A K Antony]], and {{INRConvert|13500|c|0}} were granted.<ref name="toi">[https://web.archive.org/web/20131214074956/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-05-16/india/31725279_1_berthing-and-anchorage-facilities-strategic-karwar-naval-base-major-warships] Strategic Karwar naval base set for major expansion</ref><ref name="tniex8d">{{cite news|url=http://newindianexpress.com/nation/article1373362.ece|title=Karwar to get India’s largest Naval base|date=10 December 2012|newspaper=The New Indian Express|access-date=8 December 2013}}</ref> The environment clearance for Phase II was granted in June 2014 on a priority basis for strategic reasons by the environment minister [[Prakash Javadekar]] of [[First Modi ministry|Narendra Modi government]].<ref>{{Cite web|title = Environment minister Prakash Javadekar clears Karwar Naval Base project|url = http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-06-10/news/50478506_1_radar-station-project-seabird-nicobar-island|website = timesofindia-economictimes|access-date = 2015-12-28}}</ref> The work will now commenced in 2016 and is expected to be completed by 2022.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title = Seabird phase II work will start by 2016: Naval officer|url = http://www.deccanherald.com/content/515693/seabird-phase-ii-work-start.html|website = Deccan Herald|access-date = 2015-12-28}}</ref>

Under the proposed expansion plans, a 3,000 feet long runway will be built. If the Centre and the State send request to the [[Indian Navy]] seeking to utilize the runway for civil aviation aircraft, the runway length will be increased to 6,000 feet. Post completion as many as 30 [[warship]]s can be anchored at the base and it would have a hangar to hold as many [[military aircraft]]. The [[Indian Navy]], through the State government, has acquired 11,334 acres of land which includes 8,661 acres of forest land.<ref name=":0" />

===Phase II-A===
[[File:India Government ProjectSeabird 3-708x531.jpg|thumb|Karwar Naval Base also known as Project Seabird]]
Phase II-A is expected to commence in 2017 and end in 2021–2022 with an expected cost of Rs 19,600 crore. The project is expected to generate large scale employment and infuse money into the local economy. In this phase, the base will undergo the following upgrades:<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2016/dec/04/seabird-project-expansion-to-commence-next-year-1545469.html|title=Seabird project expansion to commence next year|newspaper=The New Indian Express|access-date=2016-12-06}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubballi/Project-Seabird-II-will-generate-more-employment-Admiral/articleshow/55779430.cms|title=Project Seabird II will generate more employment: Admiral - Times of India|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=2016-12-06}}</ref>
* Eight operational jetties, two refit jetties, four cover drivers and full-pledged dockyards to handle additional ships
* Naval air station for helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles and medium transport aircraft with a civil terminal
* [[INHS Patanjali]] will be upgraded from 141-bed to 400-bed hospital
* Second [[Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan|Kendriya Vidyalaya]]
After completion of this phase, the base will have over one lakh personnel working there, apart from their families living in an upcoming residential township. Apart from berthing [[INS Vikramaditya]], two more [[aircraft carriers]] will be [[homeport]]ed here. For this, two more jetties will be used. A few of the {{sclass|Kalvari|submarine|0||2015}} submarines will also be based here.<ref name="tniex8d" />

===Phase II-B===
After the completion of this phase of the project, INS ''Kadamba'' will be able to base 50 front-line warships, and will be the biggest naval base east of the [[Suez canal]].<ref name="dnow" /><ref name=it20d04>{{cite news|last=Unnithan|first=Sandeep|title=Power Base|url=http://archives.digitaltoday.in/indiatoday/20041220/defence.html|access-date=8 July 2013|newspaper=India today|date=20 December 2004}}</ref><ref name="toi" />

==Important milestones==
*Initial Sanction - 1985<ref>{{cite web|title=Project Seabird|url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/book/project-seabird|publisher=Indian Navy|access-date=28 March 2014}}</ref>
*Foundation Stone laid - 24 October 1986
*Acquisition of land - 1985–1988
*Master Plan & DPR - 1990
*Truncated Phase 1 sanctioned - Oct 1995
*Execution of project - 1995–2005
*Rehabilitation Phase 1 - 1995–1999
*Construction commenced - 2000
*Priority Housing - February 2003
*Breakwater completed - February 2004
*Sailors Residential Colony - July 2004
*Anchorage completed - November 2004
*Pier completed - February 2005
*Officers Colony at Kamath Bay - February 2004
*Docking of the first navy ship [[Sandhayak-class survey ships|INS Shardul]]<ref name=it20d04 />
*Karwar Naval Hospital - Feb 2005 (Temporary location)
*Ship Lift installed - Apr 2005
*Visit by US Defence Secretary [[Ash Carter|Ashton Carter]] with Defence Minister [[Manohar Parrikar]] - 12 April 2016<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/india/us-defence-secy-gets-a-taste-of-ins-vikramaditya-english-news-1.987405|title=US Defence secy gets a taste of INS Vikramaditya|last=Correspondent|first=By Our Defence|website=Mathrubhumi|access-date=2016-04-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/karnataka/parrikar-carter-visit-naval-base-at-karwar-ins-vikramaditya_1875024.html|title=Parrikar, Carter visit naval base at Karwar, INS Vikramaditya|website=Zee News|access-date=2016-04-20}}</ref>

==See also==
; Indian navy
* [[List of Indian Navy bases]]
* [[List of active Indian Navy ships]]
*[[INS Varsha]], the other major naval base, which is being developed on India's east coast.
*[[INS Vajrakosh]], missile and ammunition base at Karwar
*[[INHS Patanjali]], naval hospital at Karwar
*[[Karwar Airport]]

; Integrated commands and units
* [[Armed Forces Special Operations Division]]
* [[Defence Cyber Agency]]
* [[Integrated Defence Staff]]
* [[Integrated Space Cell]]
* [[Nuclear Command Authority (India)|Indian Nuclear Command Authority]]
* [[Indian Armed Forces]]
* [[Special Forces of India]]

; Other lists
* [[Strategic Forces Command]]
* [[List of Indian Air Force stations]]
* [[List of Indian Navy bases]]
* [[List of countries with overseas military bases#India|India's overseas military bases]]
* [[Naval Station Norfolk]], world's largest naval base.

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
*[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/india-opens-major-naval-base-at-karwar-0647/ India Opens Major Western Naval Base Near Karwar], Defense Industry Daily
*[http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl2211/stories/20050603002809000.htm A base for a blue-water navy], ''Ravi Sharma'', Frontline, Volume 22 - Issue 11, 21 May - 3 June 2005.
*[http://ipcs.org/article/navy/project-seabird-an-example-of-indias-maritime-prowess-1580.html Project Seabird: An Example of India's Maritime Prowess], ''Vijay Sakhuja'', Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies, #1580, 13 December 2004.

{{Indian Navy}}

[[Category:Indian Navy bases|Kadamba]]
[[Category:Karwar]]

INS Kadamba - Revision history

Bot at 16:56, 25 November 2022