A Naval Fleet Review is a long-standing tradition of navies world over. The review was conceived as a show of naval might and combat readiness. The review aims at assuring the country, of the Indian Navy’s preparedness, high morale and discipline. Assembling of warships without any belligerent intentions is now the norm in modern times. Leading nations of the world, occasionally invite their maritime neighbours, to participate with their ships in the review. Normally called ‘International Fleet Review’, (IFR) the event then allows the host nation an occasion to display its maritime capabilities and mutual trust amongst maritime nations. In our country, thus far, ten reviews have been held, with the first in 1953 and the latest in 2011. The only IFR in India was conducted in February 2001, off Mumbai. Second edition of IFR is scheduled to be held at Visakhapatnam from February 4 to 8, 2016. The review will have more than 50 navies of the world, including the United States, China, Japan, Gulf countries and other littoral states of the Indian Ocean.

INS Vikramaditya on sail

INS Viraat sails for IFR 2016 with 6 Sea Harriers, 6 Seakings and 4 Chetaks embarked on the ship

Illuminated silhouettes of the Indian Navy ships

Illuminated silhouettes of the Indian Navy ships

Indian Navy P-8I flanked by fighters

‘Mission Assigned Mission Accomplished’ is the motto of INAS 312

In the 29th year of service with Indian Navy, INS Viraat has served the Indian Navy and
Royal Navy for 56 years

This is how the Review Column (ships having the President, Prime Minister and other dignitaries)
shall look on the D-Day

An aerial view of INS Viraat with her deck full of fighters and Seaking 42B ASW helicopters

A closer look of the Presidential Yacht

Above: Various manoeuvres are part of rehearsals in the port city,
IFR 2016 will also have a parade of sails during the review