In a significant move to enhance India’s maritime security and operational readiness, the foundation stone for a Very Low Frequency (VLF) station of the Indian Navy in Vikarabad, Telangana, was laid on October 15, 2024.
This state-of-the-art facility, spread across 2,900 acres and built at a cost of Rs 3,200 crore, will be a key element in securing and strengthening India’s naval communication infrastructure. The VLF station is designed to ensure secure, real-time communication between command centers and naval assets such as submarines and ships, crucial in maintaining India’s strategic and tactical edge in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Speaking at the event, Defence Minister Singh Rajnath Singh underscored the importance of this new VLF station as not just a military establishment but a strategic asset of national significance. “Effective coordination between men and machines is essential, especially in the evolving nature of warfare. This station will ensure secure and real-time communication between our ships and submarines with the command centers of the Armed Forces,” he stated. He further explained how foolproof communication is often the decisive factor in military success, emphasizing that without reliable communication, even the most advanced equipment and manpower would fail to secure victory.
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The VLF station is particularly crucial for coordinating submarine operations, a cornerstone of any naval force’s capability. Singh noted, “During crisis management, clear communication becomes essential, especially when situations are dynamic and response times are short. This is why we are investing in communication systems that boost both safety and strategy for our forces.”
Expanding India’s Naval Capabilities
The new VLF station is expected to significantly boost the Indian Navy’s operational readiness, especially in safeguarding India’s maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific and IOR. It will complement the existing VLF station at INS Kattabomman in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, further strengthening India’s ability to maintain secure communication across vast oceanic distances.
Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, hailed the new facility as a major milestone in the Navy’s communication capabilities. “This VLF station would play a vital role in enabling secure worldwide communication with our submerged submarines, ensuring their stealth and operational effectiveness,” said Tripathi.
Singh also highlighted India’s growing role as a key security partner in the IOR, remarking that India’s interest now spans the broader Indo-Pacific region. “Our Navy is the biggest guarantee of peace in the Indian Ocean Region,” he said. He stressed the collective effort required to maintain maritime security, urging friendly nations to collaborate to ensure peace and stability. “Summoning external forces to the region undermines this effort,” Singh warned, urging neighbouring countries to work together with India in safeguarding maritime security.
Environmental and Economic Considerations
Addressing concerns about the potential environmental impact of the VLF station, Singh assured that the project is being developed with sustainability in mind. “All environmental regulations are being adhered to, and arrangements will be made for the rehabilitation of any affected individuals during construction,” he said. He emphasized the government’s commitment to sustainable development, noting that the technology involved in the VLF station has been designed to minimize environmental disruption.
Additionally, Singh highlighted the economic benefits the project would bring to the local community. “During the construction phase, both skilled and unskilled workers from the surrounding areas will find employment, and even after the station becomes operational, it will generate further employment opportunities,” Singh said. He described the VLF station as a potential growth hub for the region, which would contribute to the economic development of Vikarabad and its neighbouring areas.
Strengthening India’s Defence Ecosystem
The minister also took the opportunity to reaffirm the government’s commitment to empowering the Indian Navy with cutting-edge technology and platforms. “India’s maritime strength lies not only in its fleet but also in its communication capabilities. To remain a strong deep-sea force, we must possess state-of-the-art equipment and communication systems,” Singh remarked. He emphasized that this investment in naval infrastructure is crucial in securing India’s commercial and security interests, particularly as global attention increasingly focuses on the Indo-Pacific region.
He paid tribute to the late Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, India’s “Missile Man,” on his birth anniversary, acknowledging his monumental contributions to the nation’s defence sector. “Dr Kalam provided India with new military technology and inspired an entire generation of scientists and engineers,” he said.
A United Effort for National Security
Expressing his gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the VLF project, including the local community, Singh underscored the importance of national unity in matters of defence. “When it comes to the security and sovereignty of the nation, all people rise above ideologies, religions, and sects to become one,” he noted.
