Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan Reviews INS Tanaji Works, Inaugurates Small Arms Firing Range
Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, visited INS Tanaji and the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) on August 13, 2026, to review infrastructure upgrades, operational works and personnel-related initiatives across key naval establishments.
A major outcome of the visit was the inauguration of a 25-metre Containerised Small Arms Firing Range (CSAFR) at INS Tanaji, a facility intended to support small-arms training in a controlled and modern setting. The range is expected to help personnel sustain weapon-handling skills and improve overall operational readiness.
During his review, Vice Admiral Vatsayan examined the status of ongoing infrastructure development and operational works at INS Tanaji as well as the Naval Armament Depot (NAD), Trombay. The assessment was aimed at ensuring that facilities under the Western Naval Command continue to be strengthened in line with operational requirements.
The inspection placed particular emphasis on the development of infrastructure that can directly support preparedness and day-to-day functioning at these establishments. By reviewing both construction-related progress and operational works, the Western Naval Command chief took stock of how these facilities are being upgraded to meet current demands.
At CABS, Vice Admiral Vatsayan interacted with officers and reviewed the progress of human-resource management initiatives covering both serving Indian Navy personnel and veterans. The discussions focused on measures designed to improve institutional support mechanisms for those currently in service as well as members of the wider veteran community.
The review of HR initiatives highlighted the Navy’s attention to personnel management and welfare as an operational priority alongside infrastructure and training. The initiatives under examination are intended to address the changing requirements of naval personnel and veterans while reinforcing support systems available to them.
The August 13 visit brought together several strands of the Western Naval Command’s current priorities: upgrading infrastructure, reviewing operational works, improving training facilities and strengthening personnel welfare systems. The commissioning of the new firing range at INS Tanaji, along with the assessment of works at INS Tanaji and NAD Trombay and the review of HR measures at CABS, formed the core of Vice Admiral Vatsayan’s engagement during the visit.
Collectively, the engagements reflected an effort to modernise facilities for naval personnel while maintaining focus on preparedness and support structures for both serving members and veterans of the Indian Navy.
