New Delhi: The first ship of Project 15B, INS Visakhapatnam was commissioned today at the Naval Dockyard of Mumbai. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was the Chief Guest at the commissioning ceremony. INS Visakhapatnam is the lead ship of the Visakhapatnam class stealth guided-missile destroyers of the Indian Navy.
Speaking at the ceremony, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended his congratulations to the Indian Navy and the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd for developing the indigenous stealth guided-missile destroyer. “Commissioning of the INS Visakhapatnam will increase the maritime capabilities and will also help in moving forward of the defence sector as well,” said the Defence Minister.
As reported by ANI, Captain Birendra Singh Bains, Commanding Officer (Designate) of INS Visakhapatnam yesterday said, "We are ready for INS Visakhapatnam''s commissioning. Our indigenous content is the highest today. After commissioning, we will continue with a few more trials and will be one with the fleet."
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On November 28, the fourth submarine of the Kalvari class, Submarine ‘Vela’ will also be commissioned. Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Karambir Singh will be the chief guest at the commissioning ceremony of the submarine Vela.
The official release stated that the commissioning of Visakhapatnam and Vela was a major milestone in showcasing the capability and capacity of indigenously built complex combat platforms. These platforms will help in enhancing the capacity and empower in addressing the threats both, above water and underwater.
“Visakhapatnam class ships, built with indigenous steel, are follow-on of the Kolkata class destroyers commissioned in the last decade. Designed by Directorate of Naval Design and built by M/s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, Mumbai. The four ships are named after major cities of the country, viz. Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal and Surat,” read the official statement.