South African Sub Training in India

From Defense Aerospace

Submarine Training for South African Navy

(Source: India Press Information Bureau; issued Oct. 11, 2005)

INS Satavahana, the submarine training school of Indian Navy, undertook basic submarine training for officers of the South African Navy (SAN) on the Type-209 submarine, from 31st Jan 05.

With this, INS Satavahana has joined the league of elite training establishments under the aegis of the Southern Naval Command, that provide training to friendly foreign navies. This has also opened up a new chapter in the role and responsibility of this premier submarine training establishment.

The training capsule has been designed for combat and technical officers for a period varying from 37 weeks to 53 weeks. The Indian Navy has been training personnel from about 25 friendly foreign countries on a regular basis.

At the valedictory function held at INS Satavahana for the passing out SAN officers, Vice Admiral SCS Bangara, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, awarded certificates and addressed the gathering. The chief guest for the function, His Excellency Mr. S Francis Moloi, High Commissioner of South Africa to India, gave away prizes to the trainee officers and delivered the valedictory address.

The Commanding officer INS Satavahana, Captain TS Ramanujam delivered keynote address. Also present at the function were R Adm Rauter, Chief Director Maritime Warfare (CDMS) of the South African Navy and senior officers of the Indian Navy.