Mumbai, Sep 18 (IANS) The Indian Navy Friday launched the country’s second indigenously built stealth warship INS Kochi.
The 6,800-tonne destroyer, built by the Mazagaon Docks Ltd (MDL), was ceremoniously launched by Madhulika Verma, wife of Naval chief Admiral Nirmal Verma.

INS Kochi, the second destroyer of Project 15-A built by the MDL, is 163 metres long, encompasses state-of-the-art weapons, sensors, stealth features, an advanced action information system, sophisticated power distribution and other advanced features.

It will also be fitted with the supersonic BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles in collaboration with the Defence Research Development Organisation, twin-tube torpedo launchers, anti-submarine rocket launchers and AK-630 rapid fire guns.

For the first time, MDL used ‘pontoon assisting launching method’ in collaboration with a Russian firm Baltizky Zavod. In this method, pontoons are welded to the hull, which gives buoyancy and helps overcome tidal constraints.

The ship is expected to be ready for commissioning into the navy by 2012, preceded by the first warship of Project 15-A, INS Kolkata which will join the fleet next year.

MDL chairman and managing director Vice-Admiral (Retd) H.S. Malhi said the Project 15-A ships represent “a major landmark in show-casing India’s warship design and manufacturing capability”.

Earlier, Admiral Verma said the responsibilities of the navy have increased many folds after the 26/11 terror attacks and there is a need for unified command for coastal security.