Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi Inaugurates MAFI Phase-2 at INS Kohassa

Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), visited INS Kohassa, a key Indian Naval Air Station located in North Andaman Island, on March 2, 2025, to review the operational preparedness of the station and interact with naval personnel. His visit underscored the Indian Navy’s commitment to securing the country’s maritime frontiers and enhancing its strategic presence in remote territories.

During his interaction with the stationed personnel, Admiral Tripathi lauded their unwavering dedication and resilience in maintaining high operational standards despite the challenges of remote deployments. He emphasized the crucial role played by INS Kohassa in reinforcing India’s maritime security architecture in the Andaman and Nicobar region, given its strategic location near critical sea lanes of communication in the Indo-Pacific.

A significant highlight of the visit was the inauguration of Phase-2 of the Modernisation of Airfield Infrastructure (MAFI) project at INS Kohassa. This modernization initiative includes the installation of state-of-the-art navigational aid equipment, a Mobile Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower, and the upgradation of the existing ATC Tower. The enhancements brought under MAFI Phase-2 are expected to improve the station’s ability to handle air traffic efficiently, thereby strengthening its operational capabilities.

Furthermore, the modernization efforts will not only benefit the Indian Navy but also play a key role in facilitating civil aviation under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) Regional Connectivity Scheme of the Government of India. This move aligns with the broader vision of enhancing regional connectivity and accessibility, particularly in strategic island territories.

INS Kohassa, commissioned in January 2019, serves as a pivotal airbase in the Andaman and Nicobar region, extending the Navy’s surveillance reach in the Bay of Bengal and the eastern Indian Ocean. The base is crucial for maritime domain awareness, anti-submarine warfare, and disaster relief operations.

Admiral Tripathi’s visit highlights the Indian Navy’s continuous efforts to bolster its infrastructure and operational readiness in distant outposts. By enhancing surveillance capabilities, strengthening logistical support, and modernizing critical facilities, the Indian Navy reaffirms its role as a formidable maritime force ensuring national security and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.