INS Kalpeni will operate under the Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Southern Naval Command and would be based at Kochi, a Naval press release said.
The indigeniously built INS Kalpeni, the latest Fast Attack Craft, was today commissioned into the Indian Navy by Kerala high court chief justice J Chelameswar.
The ship propelled by three powerful Water Jets can achieve speed in excess of 35 Knots.
INS Kalpeni will operate under the Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Southern Naval Command and would be based at Kochi, a Naval press release said.
The ship would bolster the capabilities of Southern Naval Command in coastal surveillance and search and destruction of fast moving targets. The Ship commanded by Lieutenant Commander Subhal Nathan has a crew of 3 officers and 38 sailors onboard.
The formal and solemn ceremony commenced with the Inspection of a Guard of Honour by the Chief Justice. The Commanding Officer of INS Kalpeni then introduced the Crew of the Ship to the Chief Guest.
The commissioning Warrant signed by the Chief of Naval Staff was then read out by the Commanding Officer.
The Naval Ensign and the National Flag was hoisted onboard the Ship for the first time along with the traditional breaking of the Commissioning Pennant. This ceremony was carried out with the Parading of the Colour Guard and to the accompaniment of the National Anthem. Later, the Hon’ble Justice unveiled the Ships Plaque.
Justice Chelameswar said the even peace loving nations have to negotiate the terms of peace from a position of strength. Rear Admiral KC Shekar, chairman and managing director Garden Reach Shipyard said the ship with nearly 95% indigenous content was completed in 24 months.
Vice-admiral KN Sushil, Flag officer Commanding in Chief, Southern Naval Command complemented the Shipbuilder in the construction of the ship. The Admiral also dwelt upon the clear and present challenges to the security environment in the area and expressed optimism that the ship would rise up to the challenges.
INS Kalpeni, an improved version of the Bangaram Class Fast Attack Craft is conceived, designed and built indigenously.
The commissioning of the ship is another milestone in the continuing saga of indigenisation in the field of warship design and construction.
Kalpeni is the seventh of a batch of 10 ships being built at Garden Reach Shipyard Kolkota. The main armament of the ship is 30mm CRN 91 Gun with an Optronic Pedestal Sight as its Director. In addition the ship has been fitted with 11 Machine guns of various types and shoulder launched IGLA Surface to Air Missiles to neutralise aerial threats.
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