In Pictures: INS Kochi Commissioned into Indian Navy

In Pics: Largest India-made warship, INS Kochi, commissioned

INS Kochi commissioned today. (Photo: Sitanshu Kar/Twitter)

Naval warship INS Kochi, a stealth guided missile destroyer, was commissioned today by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.

INS Kochi is the second ship of the Kolkata-class (Project 15A) guided missile destroyers.

The warship is designed by the Navy’s in-house organisation, Directorate of Naval Design, and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd in Mumbai.

Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Admiral R K Dhowan, Chief of Naval Staff during the commissioning of naval warship INS Kochi in Mumbai. (Photo: Sitanshu Kar/Twitter)

With a displacement of 7,500 tonnes, the majestic ship, spanning 164 metres in length and 17 metres at the beam, is propelled by four gas turbines and designed to achieve speeds in excess of 30 knots.

Enhanced stealth features have been achieved through the shaping of the hull and use of radar-transparent deck fittings.

Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, R K Dhowan (3rd from L), Chief of Naval Staff, SPS Cheema (5th from L), Commanding in Chief, Western Naval Command along with other officers during the commissioning of naval warship INS Kochi. (Photo: PTI)

INS Kochi is packed with an array of sophisticated weapons and sensors, with a significant indigenous component.

The ship is loaded with BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said: “Govt is committed to provide funds for future expansion/growth of Indian Navy.” (Photo: Sitanshu Kar/Twitter)

It has 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) and AK 630 CIWS, both manufactured indigenously, and can take on air and surface targets.

The ship is equipped to operate two Sea King or Chetak Helicopters.

Indian Navy personnel board the newly built INS Kochi, a guided missile destroyer. (Photo: Reuters)

The vessel is one of the few warships in the world and the second in the Indian Navy to have multi-function surveillance and threat alert radar to provide target data to long-range surface-to-air missile system.

We will develop a real Blue Water Navy that will dominate Indian Ocean Region, says Defence Minister, Manohar Parrikar. (Photo: Sitanshu Kar/Twitter)

An Indian Navy personnel gestures on the deck of the newly built INS Kochi, a guided missile destroyer. (Photo: Reuters)

The ship has a complement of about 40 officers and 350 sailors.

Naval warship INS Kochi commissioned by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. (Photo: Sitanshu Kar/Twitter)

The first of this class, INS Kolkata, was commissioned in August last year.

The third warship, INS Chennai, will be inducted towards end-2016.

An Indian Navy personnel looks on as he stands in front of the rocket launcher system mounted on the deck of the newly built INS Kochi. (Photo: Reuters)