DEFENCE MINISTER: INDIA TO SOON BECOME A GLOBAL PLAYER IN SHIPBUILDING
In the presence of the defence minister Rajnath Singh, the Indian Naval Ship Mormugao, the second vessel of the P15B class of stealth guided-missile destroyers, was pushed into action on Sunday.
The Mormugao harbour in Goa inspired the naming of the new destroyer. On the eve of Goa Liberation Day, which is observed on December 19, the vessel was dedicated. The event's honour guests were Goa Governor Girish Pillai and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
The ceremony marked the official introduction of the second of the four destroyers from the Visakhapatnam class, which were built in Mumbai by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) after being locally designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau.
According to Singh, the defence minister, INS Mormugao is one of the most potent warships ever built domestically and will greatly improve the nation's marine capabilities. "INS Mormugao is one of the most cutting-edge missile carriers in the world. It is a testament to India's proficiency in the design and development of warships and a brilliant example of our expanding domestic defence production capabilities with over 75% indigenous content, he said.
According to him, India will eventually manufacture ships for the entire world. "The warship will suit the present and future demands of our country as well as of our friends countries throughout the globe," he said.
Singh praised the MDL and Indian Navy for putting the INS Mormugao into service. In addition, Singh praised the Indian Navy for defending the nation's marine interests.
According to him, the navy's main duty is to protect the country's interests in the Indian Ocean region. "Our expanding trade, the majority of which travels by sea routes, is a direct result of our expanding economy. The Indian Ocean is directly relevant to our interest. Due to India's prominence in the region, the Indian Navy plays a bigger part in ensuring its security. It is encouraging to see that they are successfully carrying out their responsibilities," Singh remarked.
According to him, the central government is committed to preparing the country for any eventuality that might arise as a result of the quickly shifting international environment. The defence minister stated that the government's primary objective is to continue bolstering the security framework by providing the armed forces with cutting-edge domestic weaponry and equipment.
According to Admiral R. Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, the commissioning of INS Mormugao is representative of the significant advancements India has made in warship design and construction capability over the past ten years. According to him, the warship is a perfect example of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and the Make in India programme. He also said it strengthens the Navy's commitment to assisting India's development into a major centre for shipbuilding.
The vessel, which has a multifaceted combat potential, will be a part of the Indian Navy's western fleet, or sword arm, he said.
INS Mormugao is 163 metres long and 17 metres wide, and it can carry 7,400 tonnes. Surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles are only a couple of the sophisticated, cutting-edge weapons and sensors that are crammed inside. The ship is equipped with a cutting-edge surveillance radar that feeds the gunnery weapon systems target information. Its anti-submarine warfare capabilities are provided by helicopters and rocket and torpedo launchers that were manufactured domestically.
The ship is propelled by four strong gas turbines with a top speed of around 30 knots. The ship has improved stealth capabilities, which reduces its radar footprint. There will be 300 officers and sailors on board INS Mormugao.
On September 17, 2016, the ship's keel was raised by Manohar Parrikar, who was the chief minister of Goa at the time. On December 19, 2021, the day Goa was liberated 60 years earlier, sea trials began. The launching on Sunday was important because it was the same day that Operation Vijay, which freed Goa from Portuguese domination, began in 1961. In his speech, Singh paid tribute to Parrikar, his predecessor who was a native of Mapusa, Goa.
