INS Kolkata
INS Kolkata is an Indian Navy Destroyer, which is the first of the Kolkata-class surface combatants. It was commissioned into the Indian Navy on August 16, 2014, after successful trials and testing. The warship is named after the city of Kolkata, which is the capital of the state of West Bengal, India.
INS Kolkata: A brief history
The Indian Navy has always been a crucial component of the nation’s defense strategy. Given the changing geopolitical scenario and the need to maintain maritime security, the Indian Navy requires modern and technologically advanced warships. The Kolkata-class Destroyers were conceived as a part of the Indian Navy’s modernization program, to replace the aging Delhi-class Destroyers.
The need for a new warship
The Indian Navy requires technologically advanced warships that can undertake operations in the challenging maritime environment. The Kolkata-class Destroyers were designed to cater to the Navy’s requirements for a multi-role, stealth, and lethal platform capable of operating in all three dimensions – surface, subsurface, and air. The Navy sought to acquire a warship that was indigenous, in line with the government’s "Make in India" initiative, and technologically advanced.
INS Kolkata: Design and development
INS Kolkata is a multi-role Destroyer designed and built by Mazagon Dock Limited in collaboration with the Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design. The warship has a displacement of 7,500 tonnes, a length of 163 meters, and a speed of 30 knots. The ship’s stealth features include the use of radar-absorbing materials, reduced acoustic, infrared, and magnetic signatures.
Construction of INS Kolkata
The construction of INS Kolkata began in September 2003, with the keel laid in September 2006. The ship was launched in March 2006, and the hull was completed in 2010. The weapons and sensors were installed, and the ship’s systems were integrated from 2010 to 2013. The ship was then subjected to extensive trials and testing to ensure its seaworthiness, performance, and functionality.
Trials and testing of INS Kolkata
INS Kolkata underwent extensive trials and testing to ensure its seaworthiness and performance, including weapons trials, sensor trials, and aviation trials. The warship successfully completed its sea acceptance trials in May 2014, where it showcased its full range of capabilities.
Commissioning of INS Kolkata
INS Kolkata was commissioned into the Indian Navy on August 16, 2014, by then-Defense Minister Arun Jaitley. The commissioning marked the culmination of a decade-long project to build a new generation of technologically advanced Destroyers for the Indian Navy.
INS Kolkata’s capabilities
INS Kolkata is a multi-role Destroyer capable of undertaking various operations, including anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and anti-surface warfare. The warship is equipped with advanced weapons and sensors, including the BrahMos surface-to-surface missile, Barak-8 long-range surface-to-air missile, and AK-630 close-in weapon system.
INS Kolkata’s operational history
INS Kolkata has been extensively deployed by the Indian Navy for various operations, including anti-piracy patrols, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and joint exercises with foreign navies. The warship has participated in several high-profile naval exercises, including the Malabar exercise with the United States and Japan.
INS Kolkata: Awards and recognitions
INS Kolkata has received several awards and recognitions for its exceptional performance and contribution to the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities. In 2015, the warship was awarded the Unit Citation for its outstanding contribution to the Navy. It has also won the Best Ship trophy twice in the Fleet Awards.
INS Kolkata’s current status
INS Kolkata is currently in active service with the Indian Navy and is based at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam. The warship is maintained and operated by a team of highly skilled personnel who ensure its operational readiness and seaworthiness.
Conclusion: INS Kolkata
INS Kolkata heralds a new era of technologically advanced warships for the Indian Navy. The warship’s commissioning marked the culmination of a decade-long project to build indigenous Destroyers capable of undertaking various operations. INS Kolkata has proved its mettle and capabilities in various operations, and its contribution to the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities is significant. The warship’s achievements and recognition are a testimony to the Indian Navy’s commitment to modernization and technological advancement.
