Indian Navy News & Discussions

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
21-March, 2017 14:38 IST
Final Status of INS Virat

INS Viraat has already been decommissioned on 6.3.2017.

A proposal for conversion of INS Viraat as an Aircraft Museum including tourist and hospitality components on commercial basis was forwarded by the State Government of Andhra Pradesh to Ministry of Defence on 26th October 2016.

Andhra Pradesh Government has requested 50% equity participation by Ministry of Defence in their proposed Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the proposal contained in reply to para (b) & (c). The proposal for equity participation was not accepted by the Ministry of Defence and the same has been communicated to Government of Andhra Pradesh on 14.12.2016.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri V. Vijayasai Reddy in Rajya Sabha today.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/car-rally-team-arrives-at-ina/article17600657.ece

As part of the celebration to commemorate the platinum jubilee of INS Valsura
A five-car rally team of the Indian Navy’s social outreach programme ‘Coast to Coast’ arrived at the Indian Naval Academy (INA) at Ezhimala as part of its tour of the region.

The rally is part of the celebration to commemorate the platinum jubilee of INS Valsura.

The team that arrived on March 21 was formally received by Captain Sumeet Kapoor, training co-ordinator of the INA.

The rally was planned as a mega road trip in five cars to cover a distance of more than 6,000 kms. The rally was also planned to touch all major naval establishments and places of maritime heritage.

The participants of the rally were flagged off at the INA at 7 a.m. on Wednesday by INA Commandant Vice Admiral S.V. Bhokare.

The crew would reach Southern Naval Command headquarters in Kochi after visiting Kozhikode.

The participants of the rally paid floral tributes at the war memorial column here in the morning.

IN MEMORY Floral tributes being paid at the War Memorial column in Kannur on Wednesday as part of the ‘Coast to Coast’ rally of the navy. | Photo Credit: S_K_MOHAN

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
23-March, 2017 17:52 IST
Indian Navy Eyes the Third Pole



Indian Navy’s second expedition to Mount Everest was flagged off by Admiral Sunil Lanba, PVSM, AVSM, ADC Chief of the Naval Staff this morning by handing over the Ceremonial Ice Axe to the climbers. These climbers have been selected from various Ships, Submarines, Aircraft Squadrons and Establishments of the Indian Navy.


The theme of the Expedition being “Sagar Tal se Sagar Matha (from Seabed to Summit)”, the Ceremonial Ice Axe with the Naval Ensign was taken to the bottom of sea by diving off the coast of Karwar and now it shall be taken to the highest point on Earth, thus depicting Navy’s efforts to soar from depths of Ocean to the Summit


The Indian Navy’s association with the Himalayas dates back to 1965 when Capt MS Kohli of Indian Navy led the first successful Indian expedition atop the world’s highest peak. In 2004, the first all Navy expedition was flagged off from Indian Navy Submarine Sindhuraj at 50 metres below the sea and went on to plant the Naval Ensign at 8848 metres. The Navy is now looking at conquering glory by launching a second expedition to Mount Everest in May this year, Accordingly, 24 enthusiastic naval climbers have been selected for this prestigious mission after a grueling selection process over the last two years. This event also marks the grand revival by Indian Navy of promoting mountaineering as an adventure sport and to also commemorate 50 years of first Indian ascent by Captain MS Kohli. The expedition to the highest peak in the world complements the Sagar Parikrama III (all women circumnavigation by sea), thus showcasing the multi dimensional prowess of the Indian Navy through adventure activities.


In preparing the climbers for this ultimate challenge in mountaineering, the Indian Navy has conducted expeditions to various peaks in the country over the past two years. These, include peaks like Mt. Saifee (6154m), Mt. Kun (7077m), Mt. Satopanth (7075m), Mt. Jogin (6456 m), Mt. Mukut East (7135 m), Mt Saser Kangri IV (7416m),Mt Saser Kangri I(7672m), Mt. Abi Gamin (7355m) besides a commendable ascent of Mt Kamet (7756m), the highest climbable peak in India.



The team has undergone a month long rigorous winter training in December 2016 at the Army Mountaineering Institute located near the Siachen Glacier. Apart from improving essential ice and snow craft skills, the team endured the inhospitable terrain and extreme cold in the world’s highest and coldest battlefield at the peak of winter.

Over the last one month, the team has also undergone rigorous strength and endurance training at a consolidation camp being conducted at Delhi, which included stairs climbing with load, running, trekking, full body workouts at gymnasium under the supervision of professional experts. Yoga sessions aimed to help cope with higher altitudes with limited oxygen were also a part of this training camp. The team is now ready and eager to get on with the arduous task ahead.

 

[monitor]

On 30th Mar 88 three TU142Ms arrived at INS Hansa Goa after a flight fm Simferopol

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
24-March, 2017 19:33 IST
Defence Minister Hands Over Indigenous DRDO Naval Systems

The Minister of Defence, Finance and Corporate Affairs Shri Arun Jaitley handed over three Naval Systems indigenously developedby Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba here today. The Minister also released two other products developed by DRDO namelyIP-based Secure Phone and the Gallium Nitride Technology. Speaking on the occasion Shri Jaitley remarked that DRDO is becoming an important instrument for self-reliance of the nation. He stated that some of the best innovations have come from the pool of scientists of DRDO. The Defence Minister also said that great societies and nations are made through people working on important tasks in anonymity, like the DRDO scientists who were honoured today. Shri Jaitley also said that in the modern world, societies that invent and innovate will make faster progress.

The Minister gave away the annual DRDO awards in various categories during the function. Apart from the scientists and teams who won awards in various vistas of technological excellence, the Advanced Systems Laboratory, Hyderabad and the Microwave Tube Research & Development Centre, Bangalore won the coveted Silicon Trophy and Titanium Trophy respectively.

The Naval Systems handed over to the Indian Navy are USHUS-II Submarine Sonar, Directing Gear for Hull Mounted Sonar Array, and RLG based Inertial Navigation System for Ship Applications (INS-SA). The export potential of DRDO technologies also received due recognition during the function, with the announcement of the bagging of export order for DRDO-developed torpedo to Myanmar.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Subhash Bhamre, Minister of State for Defence said DRDO is playing an important role in self-reliance of Defence Forces and the export potential of the Organisation is finding a place in the global Defence market. He congratulated all the awardees and their families.

Chairman, DRDO and Secretary, Department of Defence (R&D)Dr. S Christopher in his address said the Defence Acquisition Council cleared order value of DRDO products has gone uptoRs. 2.56 lakh crore out of which about Rs. 1 lakh crore was in the last two years alone.

Sonars are the eyes and ears of a submarine under water. DRDO has developed the State-of-the-Art submarine sonar suite, USHUS-II, a highly evolved compendium of multiple sensors. The constituent sonars in the suite include passive sonar, active sonar, intercept sonar, obstacle avoidance sonar and underwater telephony.

Directing Gear is an electro-mechanical system that supports the transducer array of hull-mounted ship sonar systems and rotates it at a controlled speed for in-situ acoustic calibration at Harbour and Sea.

The Inertial Navigation System, based on indigenous Ring Laser Gyroscopes, provides vital information on the ship's position coordinates and heading for steering it to its destination accurately. It features high speed processor, multi-constellation Sat Nav receiver, ship specific interfaces and innovative algorithms.

With the emergence of Gallium Nitride as a state-of-the-art material for MMIC applications, DRDO has established this futuristic technology, which will substantially help in the development of next generation radars, seekers and communication systems, for application in Light Combat Aircraft.

The Secure IP Phone incorporates an indigenous encryption algorithm on a trustworthy hardware platform to provide a high level of secrecy to voice and data, for communication of strategic and tactical plans of the Armed Forces.

The function was also attended by senior functionaries of the Ministry of Defence, Indian Navy, DRDO and industry partners.

*****

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Defence, Shri Arun Jaitley taking a close look at the USHUS-II Submarine Sonar, during the handing over ceremony of the DRDO developed products to the Indian Navy, in New Delhi on March 24, 2017.

The Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Defence, Shri Arun Jaitley being explained about RLG based inertial navigation system for ship applications (INS-SA) by the DRDO Scientists, during the handing over ceremony of the DRDO developed products to the Indian Navy, in New Delhi on March 24, 2017.

The Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Defence, Shri Arun Jaitley handing over a replica of USHUS-II Submarine Sonar to the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba, during the handing over ceremony of the DRDO developed products to the Indian Navy, in New Delhi on March 24, 2017. The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre and the Chairman DRDO and Secretary, DD (R&D), Dr. S. Christopher are also seen.

The Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Defence, Shri Arun Jaitley handing over a replica of Directing Gear for Hull Mounted Sonar Array Sonar to the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba, during the handing over ceremony of the DRDO developed products to the Indian Navy, in New Delhi on March 24, 2017. The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre and the Chairman DRDO and Secretary, DD (R&D), Dr. S. Christopher are also seen.

The Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Defence, Shri Arun Jaitley handing over a replica of RLG based inertial navigation system for ship applications (INS-SA) to the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba, during the handing over ceremony of the DRDO developed products to the Indian Navy, in New Delhi on March 24, 2017. The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre and the Chairman DRDO and Secretary, DD (R&D), Dr. S. Christopher are also seen.

The Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Defence, Shri Arun Jaitley releasing the DRDO developed IP-Based Secure Phone and the Gallium Nitride Technology, during the handing over ceremony of the DRDO developed products to the Indian Navy, in New Delhi on March 24, 2017. The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre and the Chairman DRDO and Secretary, DD (R&D), Dr. S. Christopher are also seen.

The Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Defence, Shri Arun Jaitley addressing the gathering, at the handing over ceremony of the DRDO developed products to the Indian Navy, in New Delhi on March 24, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://indianexpress.com/article/india/navy-gets-3-naval-systems-from-drdo-4584203/

The Gallium Nitride Technology will substantially help in the development of next generation radars, seekers and communication systems, for application in Light Combat Aircraft, said a scientist.

The Secure IP Phone incorporates an indigenous encryption algorithm on a “trustworthy hardware platform” to provide high level of secrecy to voice and data, for communication of strategic and tactical plans of the Armed Forces.

The Advanced Systems Laboratory, Hyderabad and the Microwave Tube Research and Development Centre, Bangalore won the coveted Silicon Trophy and Titanium Trophy, respectively.

The export potential of DRDO technologies was also mentioned at the event with the announcement of the bagging of export order for DRDO-developed torpedo to Myanmar.

Subhash Bhamre, Minister of State for Defence, said DRDO is playing an important role in self-reliance of defence forces and the export potential of products developed by it is finding a place in the global defence market.

Explaining about the systems handed over to the navy, a DRDO scientist said submarine sonar suite, USHUS-II, is a highly evolved compendium of multiple sensors and the constituent sonars in the suite include passive sonar, active sonar, intercept sonar, obstacle avoidance sonar and underwater telephony.

The Inertial Navigation System, based on indigenous Ring Laser Gyroscopes, provides vital information on the ship’s position coordinates.

 

[Hindustani78]

According to Sputnik

https://sputniknews.com/asia/201703251051929663-india-tu-154-m-albatross/

New Delhi (Sputnik) — The navy had already begun gradually phasing out the Tupolevs, nicknamed Albatross, which were key in anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol roles.

"The workhorse of the Indian Navy, mainstay of maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare for almost 30 years, Tu-142M aircraft to retire in a week," announced the Indian Navy. The 49.5-meter-long craft with a 50-meter wingspan also served in photographic and radio reconnaissance missions.

"Tu-142M is the fastest turboprop aircraft in the world. Many fighters found it difficult to intercept this machine at high altitude. Tupolevs have been the Eye in the Sky of the Indian Navy for the past 30 yrs providing critical real time inputs for maritime operations," said the Indian Navy.

Only three aircraft are in service as the Navy had started the gradual phasing out with the induction of eight P8I multi-mission aircraft. Boeing will begin deliveries of four other P8Is in 2020.

The Indian Navy had upgraded Tu-142M aircraft during 2006-10. The aircraft is armed with weapons like the Kh-35 anti-ship missile, self-guided missiles, torpedoes, depth charges and twin AM-23 automatic cannon.

The Indian Navy and the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh have decided to convert the aircraft into a museum at a cost of US$ 0.75 million.

 

[RISING SUN]

Anything on INS Aridhman, it was scheduled for soft launch this year.

 

[Vertiti Scrutator]

Explicit disqualification of Naval LCA Mk2 (earlier statement merely said LCA, causing confusion about the status of Mk2)!!
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...-tejas-didnt-fit-the-bill/article17664569.ece

"...What the Navy wants is a deck-based fighter, but the LCA Navy Mk1 doesn’t meet that requirement. Its power-to-weight ratio, the thrust the engine generates [are insufficient] and it’s underpowered for the airframe. Unfortunately, even the Mk2 variant doesn’t qualify. That’s why we took this case up to the Defence Ministry."

How is it that the thrust-to-weight ratio of Mk2 became obvious to Navy only recently?? The purported engine thrust (of F414) and the purported weight of Mk2 was supposedly obvious for a long time!!! Did ADA claim recently that they cannot achieve the weight limit for Mk2 that they had set themselves??

 

[gslv mk3]

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
26-March, 2017 11:41 IST
CURTAIN RAISER : DE-INDUCTION OF TU 142M

The Indian Navy is preparing for de-induction of TU142M Long Range Maritime Patrol aircraft after its 29 years of dedicated service to the nation. The aircraft would be formally de-inducted by Admiral Sunil Lanba, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, Chief of the Naval Staff at a special ceremony scheduled to be held at INS Rajali, India's premiere Naval Air Station in Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu on 29 March 17. To commemorate the stellar service of the TU142M, a TU Static Display Aircraft would also be inaugurated by the Chief of Naval Staff at INS Rajali.

The TU142M Long Range Maritime Patrol aircraft was inducted into Indian Navy at Dabolim Goa from erstwhile USSR in 1988. The aircraft subsequently shifted base permanently to INS Rajali in 1992 and became the most formidable LRMR ASW aircraft of the Indian Navy. The aircraft has done the Indian Navy proud by participating in all major naval exercises and operations with distinction. The aircraft saw action during operation ‘Cactus’ in Maldives and participated in operational missions off Sri Lanka to provide airborne surveillance. TU142M aircraft with its 04 powerful engines, contra rotating, slender fuselage and swept wings is the fastest turboprop aircraft in the world and reportedly has been difficult to intercept by fighters. With its enhanced endurance, speed, long range weapons and sensors the aircraft transformed the aspects of Maritime Reconnaissance and airborne ASW for the Indian Navy and was one of the most formidable platforms around the world.

TU142M aircraft operations over the years stand testament to the skill, courage and professionalism of the men and women who have been entrusted with the responsibility to fly and maintain this vital aviation asset of the Indian Navy. The aircraft has had a distinguished service with over 30,000 hours of accident free flying. During its service life, the aircraft has undergone several modifications and retro fitments to keep up with evolving technology and changing requirements of Indian Navy. As a result, the aircraft has throughout its service life, been participating in and has been a major factor during all Naval operations. Despite being in its twilight year, the aircraft performed exceptionally well during the recently conducted Naval Exercise TROPEX in Mar 2017.

The other event of milestone proportion would be the Silver Jubilee of INS Rajali, the naval air station which was synonymous with the TU and its home for the last 29 years. The role of TU142M will now be taken on by the newly inducted P-8l aircraft. The P-8I aircraft has proven all its systems and has been fully integrated into the operational grid of the Indian Navy. Commander Yogender Mair, the last Commanding officer of the squadron with TU142M aircraft will hand over the reins to Commander V Ranganathan, who will be the first Squadron Commanding Officer with the P-8l.

Background Information

INAS 312 was commissioned on 18 Nov 1976 at INS Hansa, Goa with five Lockheed L1049G Super Constellation aircraft acquired from No. 6 Squadron of the IAF. After de-induction of Super Constellation from the squadron in 1983, TU-142M LRMR ASW aircraft was inducted into INAS 312 on 16 Apr 88 by the then Defence Minister, Mr KC Pant at INS Hansa. The squadron later shifted its base to the East Coast of India in Apr 92 and has since then been based at INS Rajali, Arakkonam (Tamil Nadu).

INAS 312 has the unique distinction of operating the heaviest, fastest and highest flying turbo prop in the world namely the TU-142M which has been the mainstay of LRMR and ASW operations of the Indian Navy for close to three decades. Over the years, the TU-142M has rendered yeomen service to the nation and has taken part in all major exercises and operations including Operation Cactus in Maldives, Op Vijay in 1998, Op Parakram in 2002 and Anti-piracy Operations from 2011 till date. For its outstanding professionalism and momentous contribution to the Navy, the Squadron was awarded Unit Citation by the Chief of Naval Staff in the year 2002 and adjudged the Best Frontline Squadron on numerous occasions over the years. After 29 years of dedicated service, the TU-142M LRMR ASW aircraft was drawn down on 29 Mar 17.

The Boeing P-8I aircraft, dedicated to the nation by the erstwhile Defence Minister Mr. Manohar Parrikar on 13 Nov 15, is the third aircraft after the Lockheed L1049G Super Constellation and the TU-142M aircraft to be operated by INAS 312.

On 29 Mar 17, Commander Yogendra Mair shall hand over the Command of INAS 312 to Commander V Ranganathan (an ex-TU pilot himself) with the induction of Boeing P8I in a ceremony at INS Rajali, Arakkonam. Admiral Sunil Lamba, AVSM, PVSM, ADC, Chief of the Naval Staff, along with other dignitaries, would preside over the function. The ceremony also coincides with Silver Jubilee of INS Rajali, home to the TU-142M aircraft for nearly three decades. The ‘heritage display’ of TU-142M would also be inaugurated as part of the ceremony. The event shall conclude with a fly-past comprising fixed and rotary wing aircraft of the Indian Naval Air Arm.

 

[RISING SUN]

Anything on INS Aridhman, it was scheduled for soft launch this year.

http://idrw.org/ins-aridhaman-break-cover-2017/

 

[RISING SUN]

Indian naval ship INS Darshak arrives at the Port of Colombo on a training visit
The hydrographic survey ship, INS Darshak of the Indian Navy arrived at the Port of Colombo on Monday on a training visit, the Navy Media Unit said.

The ship was ceremonially welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with naval traditions on her arrival.

The Commanding Officer of INS Darshak Captain Peush Pawsey paid a courtesy call on the Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Niraja Attygalle at the Western Naval Command Headquarters and they held cordial discussions.

During her stay in Sri Lanka, the ship's crew is scheduled to take part in a number of programs organized by the Sri Lanka Navy. Further, they are expected to play several friendly matches of volleyball and basketball as well.

On completion of its stay in the country, INS Darshak will depart from the Colombo harbor on 30th of this month.
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_17A/Mar27_1490618600CH.php

Iran Navy flotilla berths at India’s Cochin port
An Iranian Navy fleet has docked at India’s Port of Cochin in line with the Islamic Republic’s policy of expanding its naval presence in high seas.

The operational training flotilla comprises Shaheed Naqdi destroyer and Tunb warships.

The fleet is scheduled to leave Cochin Port on Tuesday.

Iran and India have adopted measures to develop positive defense and military cooperation during recent years.

In May 2016, an Indian navy flotilla called at the southern Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas, as the two countries work to boost friendly maritime relations.

The fleet, comprising INS Trikand (F51) and INS Ganga (F22) frigates, arrived in Bandar Abbas, the capital of Hormozgan Province, for a four-day stay.
In August 2015, an Indian navy fleet, comprising the INS Beas (F37) and INS Betwa (F39) frigates, docked at Bandar Abbas for a four-day stay.

In late January 2015, Iranian Navy's destroyer Alvand set sail to India to participate in joint maneuvers with several other navies. It participated in the naval drills along with other destroyers near Visakhapatnam Port in India.

In recent years, Iran has made great achievements in its defense sector and conducted numerous military drills.

Over the past few years, Iran’s Navy has increased its presence in high seas to safeguard naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.

Iran has repeatedly assured other countries that its military might poses no threat to other states, insisting that the country’s defense doctrine is entirely based on deterrence.
http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2017/0...-Cochin-Shaheed-Naqdi-destroyer-Tunb-warships

Indian and US Naval ships visit Sri Lanka
An Indian and an American Naval ship arrived to Sri Lanka on Monday (27th March). According to Navy media sources INS 'Darshak', a hydrographic survey ship of the Indian Navy and USS 'Comstock', a Whidbey Island-Class Dock Landing Ship of the United States Navy arrived to the island on a training visit. The visiting ships were accorded a traditional naval welcome upon their arrival at the Colombo Port by their local counterparts.

'INS Darshak' is scheduled to leave the country on Thursday (30th March) while 'USS Comstock' arrived here making a four day visit.

The crew of the two ships is scheduled to take part in a number of events organized by the Sri Lanka Navy during their stay in the country.
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Indian_and_US_Naval_ships_visit_Sri_Lanka_20170328_01

Indian hydro-graphic survey ship INS ‘Darshak’ in Colombo port
The hydrographic- survey ship, INS ‘Darshak’ of the Indian Navy arrived at the Port of Colombo today on a training visit. The ship was ceremonially welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with naval traditions on her arrival, Navy said.

The Commanding Officer of ‘Darshak’ Captain Peush Pawsey paid a courtesy call on the Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Niraja Attygalle at the Western Naval Command Headquarters and they held cordial discussions. Mementos were also exchanged to mark the occasion.

During her stay in Sri Lanka, the ship’s crew is scheduled to take part in a number of programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy. Further, they are expected to play several friendly matches of volleyball and basketball as well. On completion of its stay in the country, INS ‘Darshak’ will depart from the Colombo harbour on 30th of this month.
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/article/1...aphic-survey-ship-ins-darshak-in-colombo-port

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
28-March, 2017 17:53 IST
Inauguration of ‘Test Bed’ of Integrated Automatic Aviation Meteorological Systems (IAAMS) at INS Rajali


Admiral Sunil Lanba, PVSM, AVSM, ADC Chief of the Naval Staff, inaugurated the first ever ‘Integrated Automatic Aviation Meteorological System (IAAMS)’ at INS Rajali today on 28 March 2017. The IAAMS is an ambitious project of the Indian Navy to modernise the meteorological infrastructure of the nine Naval Air Stations (NAS). INS Rajali at Arakkonam was identified for setting up this sophisticated system on a ‘Test Bed’ site, where the complete integrated system has been tested for its reliability, performance and functioning. The IAAMS project will give a major fillip to aviation safety, through automation of weather monitoring process.

Equipped with the state of the art Meteorological Sensors viz., Radar Vertical Wind Profiler, Transmissometer, Ceilometer and Automatic Weather Observation System, IAAMS undertakes automatic and continuous recording of relevant weather parameters that are vital for accurate weather forecasting. It has a special alarm feature that alerts the duty staff during abnormal change of weather parameters that may affect safe flying operations. The system can also provide automatic dissemination of routine weather reports as per World Meteorological Organisation standards to other air stations and Air Traffic Controller towers without human intervention.

Installation at remaining eight NAS would be undertaken by the system integrator M/s SGS Weather and Environmental Systems Private Limited, New Delhi and is expected to be completed by March 2019.