International Fleet Review 2016
{{Infobox event
| image =
| caption =
| duration = Five days
| date = {{start and end dates|2016|02|04|2016|02|08|df=yes}}
| venue = Eastern Naval Command
| location = Visakhapatnam, India
| coordinates = {{coord|17.695811|N|83.280709|E|region:IN_type:event|display=inline,title}}
| also_known_as = IFR 2016
| type = Military exercise
| theme = United through Oceans
| patron = Government of India
| organisers = Indian Navy
| participants = {{plainlist|*71 ships from the Indian Navy{{cite web|author1=Ruchi Bambha|title=International Fleet Review 2016 curtain raiser: 6 key things to know|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/international-fleet-review-2016-curtain-raiser-6-key-things-to-know/articleshow/49375814.cms|website=ET|access-date=8 January 2016}}{{cite web|title=52 countries to take part in IFR-2016|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/52-countries-to-take-part-in-ifr2016/article8080461.ece|website=The Hindu|access-date=8 January 2016}}
| blank1_label = Press release
|blank1_data= [https://ifr16.indiannavy.gov.in/writereaddata/images/pdf/GWAW15001898_IFR-Press-Ad.pdf GWAW15001898_IFR press release]
| blank2_label = Publication
|blank2_data=[https://ifr16.indiannavy.gov.in/writereaddata/images/pdf/ahoy.pdf Ahoy IFR 2016]
| website = [https://ifr16.indiannavy.gov.in/introduction-to-ifr-2016.htm IFR 2016 website]
}}
File:Passage Exercise (PASSEX) during International Fleet Review 2016 (01).JPG
International Fleet Review 2016 (IFR 2016) was an international maritime exercise hosted and conducted by the Indian Navy on behalf of the President of India in February 2016 to improve relations with other navies in the region. The Indian Navy demonstrated its maritime capabilities to the foreign navies participating in the review.{{cite web|title=International Fleet Review in Vizag from Feb 4|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/international-fleet-review-in-vizag-from-feb-4-116010700588_1.html|website=Business Standard|access-date=9 January 2016}}
The President's fleet review is a gathering of naval ships for observation by the President of India who reviews the fleet of the Indian Navy. Past fleet reviews in India include a 2006 review conducted by president A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the first public naval fleet review outside Mumbai.{{cite web|title=President arrives for fleet review|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/president-arrives-for-fleet-review/article3177415.ece|website=The Hindu|access-date=18 April 2016}}
Two other notable international fleet reviews were held before 2016: the International Fleet Review 2005 in the United Kingdom and the International Fleet Review 2013 in Australia. IFR 2016 was the second international fleet review conducted in India; the first, in Mumbai in 2001, had 29 participants. A total of 95 warships from 50 navies, including the Indian Navy, participated in IFR 2016.{{cite web|author1=Ankit Panda|title=With Over 50 Navies Participating, India Concludes 2016 International Fleet Review|url=https://thediplomat.com/2016/02/with-over-50-navies-participating-india-concludes-2016-international-fleet-review/|website=The Diplomat|access-date=5 April 2016|date=8 February 2016}}{{cite web|author1=Ateeq Sk|title=After 15 years, second International Fleet Review to be held at Visakhapatnam in February|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-after-15-years-second-international-fleet-review-to-be-held-at-visakhapatnam-in-february-2121111|website=DNA India|access-date=5 April 2016|date=2 September 2015}} The review, conducted from 4 to 8 February 2016 in Visakhapatnam, was organized by the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy.{{cite web|title=Introduction to IFR 2016|url=https://ifr16.indiannavy.gov.in/introduction-to-ifr-2016.htm|website=Indian Navy|publisher=Govt. of India|access-date=8 January 2016}}
{{anchor|Curtain raising ceremony}}Announcement
File:Eastern Naval Command motor cycle expedition team at Jaswantgarh War Memorial.JPG. A motorcycle expedition for the upcoming IFR began in April 2015 at Eastern Naval Command headquarters.]]
IFR 2016 was announced at a press conference in New Delhi on 14 October 2015. At the conference, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral RK Dhowan announced the Indian Navy's plan to conduct an international fleet review on the eastern seaboard at Visakhapatnam on 4–8 February 2016.{{cite press release|title=International Fleet Review 2016 |url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=128718|website=Press Information Bureau|publisher=Government of India Ministry of Defence|access-date=17 May 2016|date=14 October 2015}}
Events
={{anchor|4 February 2016|Wreath laying ceremony|Maritime exhibition and IFR village}}4 February=
File:IFR 16 - Wreath Laying Ceremony and Inauguration of Maritime Exhibition (02).jpg
A wreath-laying ceremony was held during the afternoon of 4 February at the Victory at Sea Memorial. Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief of Naval Staff of India Admiral Dhowan and Eastern Naval Command flag officer Vice-Admiral Satish Soni laid a wreath at the Victory at Sea Memorial in tribute to the Indian Navy sailors killed in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, and a guard of honour paraded. Eastern Naval Command Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Bimal Kumar Verma and other dignitaries and representatives of foreign navies were present at the ceremony.{{cite web|title=Event Schedule IFR|url=https://ifr16.indiannavy.gov.in/event-schedule.htm|website=Indian Navy|publisher=Government of India|access-date=5 April 2016}}{{cite web|author1=G.S. Subrahmanyam|title=Naidu pays tributes to martyrs|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/naidu-pays-tributes-to-martyrs/article8195588.ece|website=The Hindu|access-date=5 April 2016|date=5 February 2016}}{{cite web|title=IFR 16 – Wreath Laying Ceremony and Inauguration of Maritime Exhibition|url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/content/ifr-16-wreath-laying-ceremony-and-inauguration-maritime-exhibition|website=Indian Navy|publisher=Govt. of India|access-date=5 April 2016}}{{cite web|author1=Press Trust of India|title=AP CM, Naval officers pay homage to war heroes|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ifr-2016-ap-cm-naval-officers-pay-homage-to-war-heroes/1/588229.html|website=India Today|access-date=5 April 2016}}{{cite web|title=Wreath Laying Organized|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/ifr-2016-ap-cm-naval-officers-pay-homage-to-war-heroes-116020500026_1.html|website=Business Standard|access-date=5 April 2016}}
The maritime exhibition's theme was Make in India, showcasing the country's innovation, indigenisation and potential. With participating industries which float, move and fly, the exhibition was opened to the public on 2 February.{{cite web|title=Maritime Exhibition, IFR Village from Feb. 2|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/maritime-exhibition-ifr-village-from-feb-2/article8161356.ece|website=The Hindu|access-date=5 April 2016|date=28 January 2016}}{{cite web|title=Maritime Exhibition and IFR Village|url=https://ifr16.indiannavy.gov.in/eventDetail.htm?3|website=Indian Navy|access-date=5 April 2016}}{{cite web|author1=Express News Service|title=IFR to Open with CM Launching Maritime Expo on February 4|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/IFR-to-Open-with-CM-Launching-Maritime-Expo-on-February-4/2016/01/20/article3235774.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208012949/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/IFR-to-Open-with-CM-Launching-Maritime-Expo-on-February-4/2016/01/20/article3235774.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 8, 2016|website=Indian Express|access-date=5 April 2016|date=20 January 2016}}
={{anchor|5 February 2016|CNS press conference|Opening ceremony}}5 February=
Naval Chief of Staff Admiral Robin K. Dhowan hosted a press conference at the Novotel Convention Centre, in which delegates from the navies participating in the review took part.{{cite web|title=Press Conference by CNS RK Dhowan at International Fleet Review|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/Press-Conference-by-CNS-RK-Dhowan-at-International-Fleet-Review/2016/02/05/article3262684.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206083800/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/Press-Conference-by-CNS-RK-Dhowan-at-International-Fleet-Review/2016/02/05/article3262684.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 6, 2016|website=The New Indian Express|access-date=7 April 2016}} An opening ceremony was held at INS Satavahana.{{cite web|title=Opening Ceremony|url=https://ifr16.indiannavy.gov.in/eventdetail.htm?1/Opening+Ceremony|website=Indian Navy|publisher=Govt. of India|access-date=7 April 2016}}
={{anchor|7 February 2016|International maritime conference|International city parade and operational demonstration|CNS reception}}7 February=
A two-day international maritime conference began on 7 February with the theme, "Partnering together for a secure maritime future".{{cite web|title=IFR turning out to be a bigger event|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/ifr-turning-out-to-be-a-bigger-event/article8173552.ece|website=The Hindu|access-date=7 April 2016}} The Navy conducted a parade and a 30-minute operation demonstration at RK Beach in Vishakhapatnam. Contingents of the Indian Armed Forces, the Andhra Pradesh Police, the National Cadet Corps and foreign navies and their bands marched in the parade. Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced a book about India's maritime heritage during the event. The parade ended with a reception hosted by Chief of Naval Staff Dhowan honouring the prime minister.{{cite web|title=IFR 16: Operational Demonstration and the International City Parade|url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/content/ifr-16-operational-demonstration-and-international-city-parade|website=Indian Navy|access-date=7 April 2016}}{{cite web|title=International Fleet Review 2016: PM Narendra Modi to review city parade as chief guest|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/international-fleet-review-2016-pm-narendra-modi-to-review-city-parade-as-chief-guest_1853085.html|website=Zee News|access-date=7 April 2016}}{{cite web|title=PM Modi to review International City Parade at IFR today|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-pm-modi-to-review-international-city-parade-at-ifr-on-sunday-2174847|website=DNA India|access-date=7 April 2016}}{{cite web|title=Percept ICE Successfully Manages The International City Parade|url=http://mediainfoline.com/article/percept-ice-successfully-manages-the-international-city-parade/|website=MediaInfoline|access-date=7 April 2016}}
={{anchor|8 February 2016|Closing ceremony}}8 February=
An international band concert was presented at the naval institute as part of the IFR 2016 closing ceremony.{{cite web|url=https://ifr16.indiannavy.gov.in/eventdetail.htm?11|title=Closing Ceremony|website=International Fleet Review 2016 |publisher=Indian Navy |access-date=22 April 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/content/closing-ceremony-international-fleet-review-2016|title=Closing Ceremony of International Fleet Review 2016|publisher=Indian Navy |access-date=22 April 2016}}{{cite web|author1=Ankit Panda|title=With Over 50 Navies Participating, India Concludes 2016 International Fleet Review|url=https://thediplomat.com/2016/02/with-over-50-navies-participating-india-concludes-2016-international-fleet-review/|website=The Diplomat|access-date=7 April 2016}}
{{wide image|Closing Ceremony of International Fleet Review 2016 (01).jpg|700px|Group photo of delegates at the IFR 2016 closing ceremony|60%|centre
|alt=Large group photograph}}
{{clear}}
Participating ships
{{main|List of ships present at International Fleet Review 2016}}
Seventy-one ships from the Indian Navy participated in the review, including aircraft carriers, submarines, frigates, destroyers, corvettes, sailing vessels, and amphibious warfare vessels. Most were from the navy's Eastern Naval Command. Twenty-four foreign ships and 50 foreign navies also participated. Delegations from Argentina, Bahrain, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Djibouti, Egypt, Fiji, Germany, Greece, Israel, Kenya, South Korea, Namibia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkey and Turkmenistan were in attendance.{{cite web|title=All You Need to Know About International Fleets Participating in IFR 2016|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/All-You-Need-to-Know-About-International-Fleets-Participating-in-IFR-2016/2016/02/01/article3256146.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202091547/http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/All-You-Need-to-Know-About-International-Fleets-Participating-in-IFR-2016/2016/02/01/article3256146.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 2, 2016|website=The New Indian Express|access-date=3 July 2016}}{{cite news|title=100 Ships from 60 Nations: Vizag Braces for {{sic|i|t’s|nolink=y|expected=its}} Biggest Fleet Review in 2016|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/100-Ships-from-60-Nations-Vizag-Braces-for-it%E2%80%99s-Biggest-Fleet-Review-in-2016/2014/07/26/article2349593.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729040343/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/100-Ships-from-60-Nations-Vizag-Braces-for-it%E2%80%99s-Biggest-Fleet-Review-in-2016/2014/07/26/article2349593.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 29, 2014|access-date=3 July 2016|work=The New Indian Express}}
Green initiative
File:Bio Diesel Powered Fast Attack Craft Of Indian Navy.jpg on patrol during IFR 2016]]
As part of its green initiative, the Indian Navy showcased two fast interceptor craft (FIC) which use biodiesel and have replaced the incandescent lamps on its ships with LED light bulbs.{{cite web|author1=Manu Pubby|title=Navy to showcase warship running on biofuel at Vizag|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/international-fleet-review-2016-navy-to-showcase-warship-running-on-biofuel-at-vizag/articleshow/50858844.cms|website=Economic Times|access-date=5 April 2016|date=5 February 2016}}
{{anchor|Passage Exercise (PASSEX)}}Passage exercise (PASSEX)
The International Fleet Review ended with the participating ships undertaking a passage exercise (PASSEX) in the Bay of Bengal on 9 February. The exercise was conducted in two formations, with the aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and INS Viraat each heading a formation. The first group was headed by the Vikramaditya, commanded by Western Fleet Rear Admiral Ravneet Singh; the second was headed by the Viraat, commanded by Eastern Fleet Rear Admiral S. V. Bhokare. A helicopter from HMS Defender landed on the Viraat, commemorating the carrier's historic ties with the Royal Navy.{{cite web|author1=Ministry of Defence|author2=DKS/CG|title=IFR 2016 – Passage Exercise – AU Revoir till we Meet Again|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=136280|website=Press Information Bureau|publisher=Government of India|access-date=7 April 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://navaltoday.com/2016/02/10/image-of-the-day-farewell-passex-at-ifr-2016/|title=Image of the day: Farewell PASSEX at IFR 2016|work=Naval Today|access-date=22 April 2016}}
Gallery
File:Indian Navy Chetak During IFR 2016.jpg|alt=Helicopter flying the Indian flag|Indian Navy Chetak during IFR 2016
File:Flypast by Kamov Ka-31 of Indian Navy.jpg|alt=Three helicopters|Flypast by Indian Navy Kamov Ka-31s
File:Heads of navies and other delegates, representing more than 50 countries, attend an welcoming ceremonies leading up to India's International Fleet Review 2016.JPG|alt=Large, seated crowd|Delegates from over 50 countries
File:Tall Ships ‘Sail in Company’ during International Fleet Review 2016 (02).jpg|alt=Sailing ships|Tall ships sail in company during IFR 2016
File:Passage Exercise (PASSEX) during International Fleet Review 2016 (05).jpg|alt=Ships in a line|Passage exercise (PASSEX) in the Bay of Bengal, 9 February 2016
File:MiG 29K in action during International Fleet Review 2016.jpg|MIG 29k in Action
See also
{{Commons category|International Fleet Review 2016|IFR 2016}}