PM may skip fleet review, again

8216;8216;These are protocol issues and are out of our hands. I guess it has just been bad timing more than once, but I am sure we will have the pleasure of hosting him soon,8217;8217; a senior Naval officer told The Indian Express.

PFRs provide a consolidated look at the entire spread of Naval operations and force. This month8217;s PFR is the first on the Eastern seaboard and the ninth since Independence; the previous eight were all held in Mumbai. Unlike in Mumbai, whose shallow waters have always forced the Navy to hold the fleet review far out at sea, the deep coastal waters at Vishakapatnam will allow the display to be much nearer shore for the expected 100,000 general spectators.

This will also be the first time the PFR will have a full-fledged firepower display involving guns and missiles fired from some of 60 warships, 12 submarines and 40 aircraft participating.

President A P J Abdul Kalam, the three Service chiefs and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy will attend. The Eastern Command will also receive the President8217;s colours on February 13.