<Two articles with interesting material on the Dabolim/Sea Bird - Indian Navy question. On one hand it seems the Indian Navy will also host its airforce in Karwar. On the other hand it seems it wants not only to keep Dabolim, as well as make it the noidal platform for the MIG-29K to be delivered in 2007-2009.> [Constantino Xavier, March 15]
Hats off to Constantino Xavier for the above and to Bosco D'Mello on March 13 both of which have "lifted the veil" of secrecy apprently surrounding the Navy's activities at Dabolim and Seabird. It is curious that though the materials are local (Times of India and Indian Express) they have been referred to goanet by people like Bosco who are based abroad. This is indeed creditable when you consider the ridicule, abuse and outright nastiness some other overseas Goans have displayed to coverage of aviation matters in goanet over the past few months and especially questions about the Navy and/or plans for an alternate airport in Goa. One hopes that other goanetters (especially the locals) will also chip in and keep the information flowing. In the meantime, let us not be lulled by the confusing talk from apparently vested interests about the use of Dabolim for Mig 29 training etc. It is precisely the use of the airport as a glorified naval flying club that seems to be causing the problems of operational constraints there and we should be vigilant about its future expansion. The odd transport aircraft to supply the naval seaport or even Seabird Karwar can land anytime at Dabolim under normal air traffic control supervision. But the summary blocking off of civilian traffic on 4 days of the week due to flight training operations and exercises is a bit much and needs to be questioned.
