Defence Industry

INS Kalpeni Commissioned into the Indian Navy
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Issue Net Edition | Date : 15 Oct , 2010


The Latest Fast Attack Craft of the Indian Navy, INS Kalpeni was commissioned into the Indian Navy today by Hon’ble Mr Justice Jasti Chelameswar, Chief Justice, High Court of Kerala at Naval Base Kochi. The Ship propelled by three powerful Water Jets can achieve speed in excess of 35 Knots. INS Kalpeni would operate under the Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Southern Naval Command and based at Kochi. The ship would bolster the capabilities of Southern Naval Command in coastal surveillance and search and destruction of fast moving targets. The Ship commanded by Lieutenant Commander Subhal Nathan has a crew of 3 officers and 38 sailors onboard.

INS-Kalapani

The formal and solemn ceremony commenced with the Inspection of a Guard of Honour by the Hon’ble Chief Justice. Thereafter the Commanding Officer of INS Kalpeni introduced the Crew of the Ship to the Chief Guest. The Commissioning Warrant signed by the Chief of Naval Staff was read out by the Commanding Officer then. The formal ceremony was completed when the Naval Ensign and the National Flag was hoisted onboard the Ship for the first time along with the traditional breaking of the Commissioning Pennant. This ceremony was carried out with the Parading of the Colour Guard and to the accompaniment of the National Anthem. Later the Hon’ble Justice unveiled the Ships Plaque.

INS_Kalapani-2Hon’ble Mr Justice Jasti Chelameswar while conveying his good wishes to the crew of INS Kalpeni reminded the audience that even peace loving nations have to negotiate the terms of peace from a position of strength. Rear Admiral KC Shekar, Chairman and Managing Director Garden Reach Shipyard in his address informed the gathering that the ship with nearly 95 % indigenous content was completed in 24 months.

The CMD also expressed their pride in their association with the Indian Navy and reaffirmed their resolve to continue this association in defence of national interests. Vice Admiral KN Sushil, Flag officer Commanding in Chief, Southern Naval Command complemented the Shipbuilder in the construction of such a fine ship.

The Admiral also dwelt upon the clear and present challenges to the security environment in the area and expressed optimism that the ship would rise up to the challenges.

INS Kalpeni an improved version of the Bangaram Class Fast Attack Craft is conceived, designed and built indigenously. The commissioning of the ship is another milestone in the continuing saga of indigenisation in the field of warship design and construction.

INS Kalpeni is the seventh of a batch of 10 ships being built at Garden Reach Shipyard Kolkota. The main armament of the ship is 30mm CRN 91 Gun with an Optronic Pedestal Sight as its Director. In addition the ship has been fitted with 11 Machine guns of various types and shoulder launched IGLA Surface to Air Missiles to neutralise aerial threats.

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