Context:

On January 15, 2025, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh visited INS Rajali, Tamil Nadu, to assess the operational readiness and capabilities of the Indian Navy. The visit highlights the importance of this premier Naval Air Station in maintaining India’s maritime security.

About INS Rajali:

INS Rajali, commissioned on March 11, 1992, is one of the Indian Navy’s most significant Naval Air Stations. Located 80 kilometers west of Chennai, in Tamil Nadu, the station spans across 2,200 acres. Its name, ‘Rajali,’ is derived from a predatory bird of the Hawk family, commonly found in the Tamil Nadu coastal belt, symbolizing the station's aggressive and strategic defense capabilities.

Strategic Location and Operational Significance
INS Rajali is strategically placed in southern India, serving as the largest and most modern Naval Air Station. It operates under the Headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command and plays a key role in the country’s maritime security by supporting operations and training.

Dual Role: Operations and Training
INS Rajali is not just a hub for naval air operations, but also a center for rigorous training. The station plays a critical part in combat readiness and ensuring that personnel are well-prepared for both defensive and offensive maritime missions. It has a garrison strength of 4,700 personnel, all working towards maintaining India’s maritime dominance.

Enhanced Naval Surveillance
With state-of-the-art facilities, INS Rajali serves as a pivotal center for surveillance, reconnaissance, and operational readiness. It supports a wide variety of advanced naval aircraft, contributing to India’s ability to secure its maritime boundaries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).