INS Mormugao launches today. 5 things to know about the guided missile destroyer ship | Daily News Byte

India has focused on strengthening its naval capabilities with a focus on the Indian Ocean amid concerns over China’s increasing inroads into the region, which is considered the Indian Navy’s backyard.

With a clear focus on indigenization and self-reliance, 42 of the 44 ships and submarines under construction are being built in Indian shipyards, the Navy said.

China is vying for influence in the strategic Indian Ocean region with significant port and infrastructure investments in several countries, including Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Here are 5 things to know about INS Mormugao:

• Named after Goa’s historic port city of Mormugao, the ship undertook its first sea voyage on December 19 last year when Goa celebrated 60 years of liberation from Portuguese rule.
• INS Mormugao is the second of four ‘Visakhapatnam’ class destroyers, indigenously designed by the Indian Navy’s Bureau of Warship Design and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd.
• The majestic ship measuring 163 meters long and 17 meters wide with a displacement of 7,400 tons can be considered as one of the most powerful warships to be constructed in India. 70% of the components used in the construction of INS Mormugao are indigenous.
• The ship is powered by four powerful gas turbines and is capable of reaching speeds of over 30 knots.
• The Navy said the ship is equipped to fight nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) warfare and is equipped with a modern surveillance radar that provides target data to weapon systems.