Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has commissioned INS Kochi, a Kolkata-class Guided Missile Destroyer, to the Indian Navy. It is a second ship of the three ships Kolkata-class Guided Missile Destroyer to be inducted. Earlier in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had commissioned INS Kolkata. The third and last ship of Kolkata-class Guided Missile Destroyer INS Chennai is expected to join Indian Navy in 2016.

Facts about INS Kochi

• Motto – Jahi Shatrun Mahabaho (Armed to conquer the enemy).
• The ship is vastly superior and has major advancements in weapons and sensors.
• The ship incorporates new design concepts for improved survivability, stealth, sea-keeping and manoeuvrability.
• The weapons on the warship include the BrahMos surface-to-surface missile, a 76 mm Super Rapid Gun Mount and AK-630 Close-in Weapon System.
• The ship is also equipped to operate two Sea King or Chetak helicopters.
• With a displacement of 7,500 tonnes, the majestic ship spanning 164 metres in length and 17 metres at the beam, is propelled by four gas turbines and designed to achieve speeds in excess of 30 knots.
• The ship has been assigned a crew of about 40 officers and 350 sailors.
• Enhanced stealth features have been achieved through the shaping of the hull and the use of radar-transparent deck fittings.
• A bow-mounted sonar dome, the second of its kind in an indigenous naval platform, has been introduced to enhance sonar acoustic performance, according to a spokesperson.
• The ship is one of the few warships of the world and the second in the Indian Navy to have Multi-Function Surveillance and Threat Alert Radar to provide target data to Long Range Surface to Air Missile system.

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