MILAN 2008

Introduction of ANC

Friendship Across The Seas

       

     

 

 

 

 

 

ANDAMAN & NICOBAR COMMAND

      THE FIRST INTEGRATED COMMAND

       

            The location of A&N Islands confers great strategic advantage. Their economic and tourist potential also dictate a sound security presence. As India's Easternmost Bastion, the ANC is charged with the responsibility for the defence of the A&N territories, its air space and waters. Raised as India 'Look East Policy', of reaching out to the defence of India's maritime neighbors and building' Bridges of friendship'. A&N archipelago of over 572 islands & islets stretches like a necklace around the Andaman sea. North to south, the chain extends over 720 Kilometers (km). At its widest it is only 51 kms. Constituting approximately 8249 square km of landmass, the islands have 1912 km of coast line. The Archipelago is at a distance of approximately 1200 km from India's Eastern seaboard and 450 km from the Malay Peninsula. Myanmar's Coco Islands towards the North, are just 42 km away and Aceh, in Indonesia is 163 km from the Southern most tip of Great Nicobar Island.

 

The Evolution of ANC

             After 1962 war, a need was felt to enhance military presence at these Islands. Consequently, INS JARAWA was commissioned at Port Blair on 15 Feb 1964. This was followed by commissioning of INS Kardip at Kamorta on 28 Apr 1973. The establishment was renamed Fortress A&N (FORTAN) in 1981 with a Rear Admiral as the Fortress commander. Utkrosh Air station was commissioned on 11 May 1985. The Fortress Commander was upgraded to a three star appointment in 1987. FORTAN  got a Tri-Service character with the induction of 108 Mountain Brigade from Lekhabali(Arunachal Pradesh) on 15 Dec 1990 and the raising of 37 Wing at Carnicobar on 16 Sep 1993. As regards Coast Guard, the Regional Headquarters was amongst the first three Regional HQ that was setup after

enactment of Coast Guard Act on 1978.

 

 

Formation of ANC

 

            The Government of India approved the establishment of the ANC as an integrated Command on 11 May 2001. The directive from Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) on setting up of ANC was issued and the Command was raised on 8 Oct 2001, under the first Commander-in-Chief A&N (CINCAN), V Adm Arun Prakash, AVSM, VrC, VSM. All components of the three services and coast Guard located at the Islands were placed under the operational command of CINCAN.