The Indian Navy successfully conducted the Annual Naval Flight Safety Meeting (NFSM) and Flight Safety Seminar (FSS) 2024 on November 12-13 at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam, under the auspices of the Eastern Naval Command. The event brought together naval and defense professionals to discuss emerging challenges and safety strategies in modern naval aviation.
The Flight Safety Seminar began on November 12 with an inaugural address by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command. His keynote speech centered on this year’s theme, "Emerging Threats and Challenges - Naval Air Operations and Compliance with Flight Safety," which underscored the Navy’s commitment to addressing new safety dynamics in the field of aviation.
The seminar focused on topics critical to naval operations, such as advancements in counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) technologies and aviation cybersecurity. Sessions delved into tactics to address UAV threats, the impact of cyber risks on aircraft systems, and strategies to enhance mental resilience through "mindfulness training" for aircrew during high-stakes missions. These discussions emphasized a holistic approach to managing risks, highlighting the need for inter-service collaboration to ensure the protection of India’s aerial assets.
The second day, November 13, was dedicated to the NFSM, presided over by Rear Admiral Janak Bevil, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air). This meeting gathered key safety stakeholders to review the Indian Navy’s operational risk management practices aimed at achieving safe and efficient mission execution. Topics included current trends in bird and animal hazard mitigation, along with other safety measures integral to mission readiness.
Prominent representatives from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and other defense organizations participated in both days of the event. Through panel discussions and expert presentations, the seminar highlighted the Navy’s proactive stance on adopting adaptive safety protocols tailored to the complexities of modern naval aviation.
The Annual Naval Flight Safety Meeting and Seminar 2024 reflected the Navy's continuous efforts to advance flight safety standards and maintain operational readiness, reinforcing its role in safeguarding the nation’s aerial domains.(PR)