India’s first indigenously designed and built warship Indian Naval Ship Godavari is scheduled to be decommissioned on December 23, 2015. Godavari’s keel was laid on 03 November 1978 by Adm J Cursetji, CNS, and it was launched on 15 May 1980. It was commissioned in December 1983. Being the first indigenously designed and constructed ship, it was showcased around the world as a symbol of India’s growing military might and self-reliance. The ship is the first of three Godavari Class frigates, others being Ganga and Gomati. At the time of decommissioning, it would have served the country for little over 32 years.

Achievements of INS Godavari

• INS Godavari has been replete with achievements and glory.
• Over the past three decades, Godavari has successfully been deployed in numerous operations, including ‘Operation Jupiter’ – 1988 (Sri Lanka), ‘Operation Shield’ and ‘Operation Bolster’ – 1994 (de-induction of Indian Army from Somalia) and ‘Patrol of Gulf of Aden’ (PoG) – 2009, 2011 (anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden).

Equipment

• The Godavari class frigates were armed with potent surface to surface and surface to air guided missiles.
• She was also among of the first frigates in the world capable of carrying two Sea King helicopters (well known as the ‘Flying Frigate’, because of its integral firepower and sensor suite).
• The frigate’s weapon and sensor suite comprised of a mix of Russian and Western systems and their efficient integration was a milestone in itself.