Were the two frigates and Seakings deployed on 8 December adequate to cope with a Daphne class submarine?
It emerged that the Seaking helicopters, which were the Navy’s latest and best anti submarine system, could have been better utilised operating from Diu but they were considered to be defenceless if attacked by Pakistani aircraft. However, available Super Connie maritime recce aircraft and Alize anti submarine aircraft should have been utilised in support of the operation from the moment it started on 8 December. Why was KHUKRI doing slow speed when tactical doctrine laid down high speed? It emerged that with the assistance of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in Bombay, a secret but promising experiment had been initiated to increase the range at which ships sonars could detect submarines. The modification equipment had been tried at sea, results were promising but further improvements were needed. These were completed after the Western Fleet sailed on 2 December. After the 14 FS returned to Bombay, approval was given by Admiral Kohli for the modification kit to be embarked in KHUKRI
