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New Delhi, Dec 16 (PTI) Homegrown guided missile destroyer ‘INS Mormugao’ will be inducted into the Indian Navy on Sunday in a boost to its maritime capabilities amid China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean region.
The warship is packed with a host of sophisticated sensors, modern radars and weapon systems such as surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, according to the Indian Navy.
The majestic ship measuring 163 meters in length and 17 meters in width with a displacement of 7,400 tons can be considered as one of the most powerful warships built in India, the statement said.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to commission the ship at the Mumbai Naval Shipyard.
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 ship is powered by four powerful gas turbines and is capable of speeds in excess of 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.
The ship’s anti-submarine warfare (ASV) capabilities are provided by indigenously developed missile launchers, torpedo launchers and anti-submarine helicopters.
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.
“A unique feature of this ship is the high level of indigenization of around 75 per cent involved in manufacturing, highlighting our national goal of ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’,” the Navy said.
“Some of the major indigenous equipment/systems on Mormugao include surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, torpedo tubes and launchers, anti-submarine missile launchers, super-velocity guns,” the navy said in a statement.
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.
In addition, AoN (Acceptance of Necessity) has been granted for 55 ships and submarines, all of which will be built in Indian shipyards. AoN is a formal approval for defense projects.
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.
(This story was published from the agency’s feed without any changes to the text. Only the title was changed.)
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