OREANDA-NEWS. The Naval Institute of AeronauticalTechnology (NIAT), the premier Aviation technical training establishment of theIndian Navy celebrated 60th anniversary on 17 Jun 16. AnInternational Seminar on “Challenges in Maintenance and Training of Fixed andRotary wing Naval Air Assets” along with Industry Exposition (Aero-Expo)showcasing emerging technologies in field of Aviation and Marine was conductedwhich was inaugurated by the chief guest, Vice Admiral A R Karve AVSM, FlagOfficer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command. A special day cover wasalso released jointly by Vice Admiral A R Karve and Smt. Sumathi Ravichandran,Post Master General, Kochi for commemorating the occasion.

The aim of conducting Expo was to provide opportunity to the IndianDefence Industry to showcase their core technology and indigenizationcapabilities in line with the ‘Make in India’ drive. Eight leading aviation andmarine industries of the country viz M/s Elcom-Group, M/s Mark Control, M/sVerdant Telemetry, M/s HBL Power systems , M/s Tata Advance Power systems Ltd.,M/s Merlin Hawk Aerospace Pvt Ltd, M/s Radiant Corporation pvt. Ltd and Goa Aeromarine & Engg. Services Pvt.Ltd had put up stalls showcasing their core expertise and indigenizationcapability.

The seminar was attended by many seniorofficers of Indian Navy and industry representatives. A large number of eminentspeakers / academicians from Indian Navy, DRDO, HAL, CEMILAC, DGCA, andindustry giants like M/S Boeing Ltd, M/S Rolls-Royce ltd. participated andpresented their views in form of papers.

The event was also graced by formerDirectors, officers and sailors of the institute.Additionally, the Institutealso conducted community service at Old age home’ under Ministry of Labour andSocial Justice at Thevera and a ‘Painting Competition’ for the children ofSouthern Naval Command, cycling expedition to Andhakaranzhi Beach wherecleanliness drive was undertaken as a part of ‘Swatch Bharat Abhiyan’ duringthe run up to the diamond jubilee celebrations.

NIAT,Having been set up as the Naval AirTechnical School (NATS) in the wake of the induction of the amphibious Sea Landaircraft in 1956, has grown and evolved over the years and can be counted todayamong the premier training establishments of the country. The growth of theInstitute has been rapid especially over the last decade. The institute isrecognised as a ‘Centre for Aeronautical Science and Technology’ by CochinUniversity’ with the offering of a host of academic qualifications for coursesconducted at the institute such as MTech, BSc, and Diploma in Aeronautics etc.