Indian Navy’s Annual Refit Conference 24 (ARC 24) and Annual Infrastructure Conference 24 (AIC 24) were conducted on 08 - 09 Feb 24 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, under the Chairmanship of VAdm Kiran Deshmukh, Chief of Materiel. Refit Plans of Indian Naval Ships & Submarines, augmentation of infrastructure to meet the maintenance requirements of the new ships and submarines being inducted, Materiel Cooperation with Friendly Foreign Countries & digital solutions being implemented in enhancing maintenance were discussed.  Foreseeable challenges in Maintenance of Indian Navy's Platforms & their solutions, including changes at the Strategic level required to make Refit & Repair Processes efficient were also deliberated. 

The Chief of Materiel complimented all Naval Dockyards & Repair Yards for the efforts in successfully ensuring enhanced operational availability of naval assets. He also highlighted the importance of all Logistics & Maintenance Organisations to be more agile by harnessing new technology & efficient work processes, as also the requirement for modernisation of marine assets & yard infrastructure.

During the AIC, progress of various Technical and Marine Infrastructure projects was reviewed by the Chief of Materiel. He emphasised the need to develop ‘Future Ready’ repair and support infrastructure while modernising and revitalising the existing infrastructure. He expressed happiness with the progress made in the ongoing infrastructure projects and appreciated the completion of various projects in the previous year including the Wet Basin and Refit Jetty at Port Blair.

VAdm Sanjay J Singh, The Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command, addressing the forum complemented the efforts put in by all concerned in ensuring enhanced operational availability of platforms and emphasised the need to maintain the focus towards supporting heightened operational readiness, upskilling of workforce to develop expertise in new inductions and attention to information security. 

The conference was attended by delegates from Naval Headquarters, the three Naval Commands, the Tri-Services Andaman and Nicobar Command, Director General Naval Projects, Naval Dockyards, Repair Yards and Material Organisations of the Indian Navy.