The Flight Safety Seminar and Annual Naval Flight Safety Meeting for 2024 was successfully conducted on November 12-13 at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam. The event was hosted by the Eastern Naval Command and underscored the nation’s commitment to reinforce flight safety measures while adapting to evolving operational challenges faced in the region.
Opening of the Flight Safety Seminar (FSS)
The Flight Safety Seminar (FSS) was held on November 12. Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, inaugurated the event with a keynote speech centered around the theme of “Emerging Threats and Challenges – Naval Air Operations and Compliance with Flight Safety.” He stressed the importance of rigorous safety protocols and highlighted the way forward towards achieving advanced operational resilience.
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The seminar also provided much-needed insight into cutting-edge technologies and strategies that focused on “Counter-UAV/Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Technologies” and innovative tactics that would prove vital to counter any threats encountered in the naval airspace. Experts participating in the seminar also discussed “Cybersecurity Risks in Aviation” and the latest “Countermeasures for Aircraft Systems.” Such considerations are useful in shielding the navy’s aerial assets from any cyber threats. The discussions were aimed at preparing the naval forces against evolving threats, encouraging technical defense, and enhancing vigilance.
Holistic Risk Management and Inter-Service Collaboration
The Flight Safety Seminar (FSS) presented a holistic approach to risk management while advocating the need for an integrated vigilance framework, that includes all the various branches of the Indian Armed Forces. The seminar saw participation from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with the Indian Coast Guard, and defense organizations like the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The panel engaged in a spirited discussion of the best practices for sharing enhanced defense strategies. The FSS served as a dynamic forum for the different branches of the armed forces to form a cohesive framework for future collaboration in Flight Safety. The collaboration is necessary, given the complex threats faced by naval aviation today.
Annual Naval Flight Safety Meeting (NFSM) and Safety Priorities
After the successful FSS, the NFSM gathered on November 13, including senior flight safety officers and stakeholders to review and align core principles of flight safety, prioritizing items like bird and animal hazard mitigation, which was on the agenda. The meeting was led by Rear Admiral Janak Bevil, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air). Discussions were also held on operational risk management strategies to ensure mission success without compromising flight safety.
The Annual Naval Flight Safety Meeting was in line with the Navy’s proactive approach to flight safety. Read Admiral Bevil also discussed recent measures taken to minimize wildlife-related risks in flight zones. The forum assessed the current measures while considering alternatives such as advanced detection technologies for airfield safety.
Navy’s Commitment to Safety and Operational Readiness
The Navy’s commitment to safety and operational readiness was displayed through this two-day event. The Flight Safety Seminar and Annual Naval Flight Safety Meeting were a success and through expert-led presentations, interactive panels, and cross-service dialogue, both events have brought attention to the need for optimal flight safety measures and adaptive strategies to counter evolving threats.
Both the Flight Safety Seminar and Annual Naval Flight Safety Meeting are integral to a cohesive collaboration between the armed forces of the nation and have successfully laid the groundwork for advanced flight safety strategies. The events have also succeeded in bringing attention to reducing the risks associated with operational management when it comes to the dangers of wildlife in flight zones and considering the use of advanced detection.
