http://www.zeenews.com/links/articles.asp?aid=220129&sid=NAT
Defence Minister to inaugurate Asia�s most advanced naval base Karwar (Karnataka), May 31: Asia's most advanced naval base and India's first ship-lift system will be dedicated to the nation today at this Arabian sea coast fulfilling the Indian Navy's dream of having a base that is safe from possible Pakistani missile and fighter attacks. Located in the centre of the western seaboard in Karnataka amidst breathtaking crescent-shaped beaches where the Western Ghat hill ranges touch the sea, Karwar will house some of the navy's most potent weapons - destroyers, stealth frigates and possibly even the soon-to-be acquired Scorpene submarines. A natural harbour, Karwar has been developed by the navy at a cost of more than Rs 2,500 crore to have an 11,200 acre mega base and with its inauguration by Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee, the first phase of "Project Seabird" will be completed. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will also grace the function. "This naval base is less vulnerable from Pakistani attacks if you compare it with Mumbai," Admiral Arun Prakash told reporters. The base is about 900 nautical miles (nm) away from Karachi and over 1500 nm from new Pakistan bases coming up at Gwadar and Ormara, unlike Mumbai which is only 580 nm away. Its easy connectivity to Goa and Mumbai were other critical components in the 1980s planning process. "This is the only harbour which will be exclusively used by the navy," Admiral Prakash said. -- Cheers, Gabe Menezes. London, England