New missile destroyer symbol of self-reliant India: PM Modi
After INS Visakhapatnam was formally commissioned into the Indian Navy at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it is a proud day for India to become Aatmanirbhar in the defence sector.
He also said that India's efforts towards defence moderation would continue with full vigour. Taking to Twitter, the Prime Minister said, "Today is a proud day for India's quest to become Aatmanirbhar in the defence sector. INS Visakhapatnam is commissioned into Indian Navy! It is indigenously developed and will strengthen our security apparatus. Our efforts towards defence moderation will continue with full vigour."
INS Visakhapatnam, a P15B stealth guided-missile destroyer, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, on November 22.
As per the Defence Ministry's press release, INS Visakhapatnam measures 163m in length, 17m in breadth with a displacement of 7,400 tonnes and can rightfully be regarded as one of the most potent warships to have been constructed in India. The ship is propelled by four powerful Gas Turbines, in a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) configuration, capable of achieving speeds in excess of 30 knots.
The release further informed that the ship is packed with sophisticated state-of-the-art weapons and sensors such as Surface-to-Surface missiles and Surface-to-Air missiles. It is fitted with a modern surveillance radar which provides target data to the gunnery weapon systems of the ship. The anti-submarine warfare capabilities are provided by the indigenously developed rocket launchers, torpedo launchers and ASW helicopters.
The ship is equipped to fight under Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) warfare conditions.
A unique feature of this ship is the high level of indigenisation incorporated in the production, accentuating the national objective of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.
Named after the historic city of Andhra Pradesh on the east coast, Visakhapatnam, the 'City of Destiny', the ship has a total complement of about 315 personnel.
Enhanced crew comfort is a significant feature of INS Visakhapatnam, which has been ensured through ergonomically designed accommodation based on 'modular' concepts. The ship will be under the command of Captain Birendra Singh Bains, a Navigation and Direction specialist.
With the changing power dynamics in the Indian Ocean Region, INS Visakhapatnam will augment the Indian Navy's mobility, reach, and flexibility towards accomplishing its tasks and goals.
(ANI)