Article Posted on : - Sep 04, 2014

INS Sumitra during sea trials. An Indian Navy photo

CHENNAI (PTI): Aimed at enhancing its coastal surveillance prowess, the Indian Navy's largest offshore patrol vessel (OPV) INS Sumitra was formally commissioned into service by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R K Dhowan in Chennai on Thursday.

The vessel is the fourth in its class and built on in-house design of state-owned Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL).

INS Sumitra, which was commissioned at the Chennai Port Trust, would be based at Chennai under the operational control of Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.

The ship, which has a displacement of 2,200 tonnes and can travel a speed of up to 26 knots, is equipped with state-of-the-art medium- and short-range weapons which include 76mm medium range gun (SRGM), a potent Close-In Weapon System (CIWS), Electronic Support System Sanket Mk III and Communication Intelligence System ELK 7036.

The ship is a well-balanced weapon-sensor platform, with the capability to undertake offshore patrolling, support high value assets and defence of offshore installations.

The latest generation warship will join the Eastern Naval Command fleet for maritime surveillance and coastal security.

Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, Vice Admiral Satish Soni and Commanding Officer, Commander Milind Mokashi, were present on the occasion.

The first, second and third of the series of 105-metre class of NOPV - INS Saryu, Sunayna and Sumedha have already been delivered to the Navy by GSL.