Two frontline Guided Missile Corvettes of the Eastern Naval Command – INS Khanjar and INS Kora – docked in Kolkata Thursday as part of the Navy Week public outreach initiative. Both warships are currently deployed in the Bay of Bengal under mission-based operations.
INS Khanjar is the fourth of the P-25 Class Guided Missile Corvettes,
indigenously built by M/S GRSE and commissioned on 22 October 1991. Nicknamed the ‘Grey Ferrari’, it’s motto is ‘Better Than the Best’. The ship is affiliated with the Kumaon and Naga Regiments of the Indian Army and presently commanded by Commander Ronie Chowpoo.
Commanding Officer of INS Khanjar said,”This ship is 34 years young, and over the last 34 years, INS Khanjar has covered the entire Indo- Pacific region.
Khanjar is a guided- missile Corvette equipped with surface to surface missiles and modern sensors.Whether it is a combat role, anti – piracy operations, humanitarian assistance or disaster relief, INS Khanjar is ready for every mission.”- added Cdr Chowpoo.
INS Kora is the first of the P-25A Class Guided Missile Corvettes, which was also indigenously built by M/S GRSE and commissioned on 10 August 1998. The ship derives its name from an impressive and dangerous weapon, Kora — the national sword of Nepal, which is the home of the legendry Gurkhas. The ship is presently ocommanded by Commander Chandan Jha.
Both ships operate as integral part of the Eastern Fleet under the operational control of the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF). They epitomize the fighting spirit of the Indian Navy and excel in surface-to-surface and surface-to-air warfare, with their primary role being ‘First-Strike’ offensive power. Their peacetime roles include protecting India’s Exclusive Economic Zones, guarding harbours, coastal installations, and performing counter-piracy, counter-terrorism operations, and maritime diplomacy. The ships are equipped with surface-to-surface missiles, anti-aircraft guns, advanced surveillance/ electronic warfare sensors, navigational and fire control radars.
“I would welcome people from Kolkata and West Bengal to come and visit these ships .The ships will be open for visitors from 28th to 30th November.”- Commodore Ajay Jadav, Naval Officer In Charge, West Bengal added.
