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The first three of a series of eight anti-submarine warfare shallow water crafts being built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd. for the Navy were launched on the shipyard premises on Thursday.
The ships, to be named INS Mahe, INS Malvan and INS Mangrol upon commissioning, were launched in the presence of the Vice-Chief of the Naval Staff and other officals.
The shipyard inked the contract with the Defence Ministry to build the eight vessels in 2019.
INS Mahe, INS Malvan and INS Mangrol
The ASW craft are designed to detect, track, and engage enemy submarines.
They are equipped with a variety of sonar and electronic warfare systems, as well as light torpedoes and depth charges.
The ships are also capable of carrying helicopters, which can be used to extend their range and capabilities.
The induction of the INS Mahe, INS Malvan, and INS Mangrol into service will significantly boost the Indian Navy's ASW capabilities.
These ships will be able to operate in a variety of maritime environments.
Here are some of the key features of the ships,
Length: 78.0 meters
Beam: 11.36 meters
Draft: 2.7 meters
Displacement: 896 tons
Maximum speed: 25 knots
Endurance: 1,800 nautical miles
Armament:
2 x 25mm/80 twin guns
Light torpedoes
Depth charges
Sensors:
Sonar
Radar
Electronic warfare suite
The induction of these ships into service is a significant milestone for the Indian Navy, and it demonstrates the country's growing capabilities in defense manufacturing.
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