Kochi: The Indian Navy has commissioned eight new multi-purpose ships this year, significantly boosting its operational capabilities. These vessels, primarily built indigenously, include the INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, INS Vagsheer, INS Arnala, INS Nistar, INS Tamal, INS Himagiri, and INS Udaygiri.

Notably, INS Himagiri and INS Udaygiri were commissioned on the same day, a historic first for the Indian Navy, marking the commissioning of two ships in a single day.

Among the new additions are two locally designed anti-submarine warfare (ASW) corvettes, which enhance the Navy’s underwater attack and defence capabilities.

The Indian Navy aims to commission six more ships next year. The recent commissioning of INS Madgal, built at the Kochi shipyard, is expected to further strengthen the Navy’s ASW fleet.

INS Madgal is capable of speeds up to 25 knots and is equipped with state-of-the-art underwater sensors, along with an array of advanced weaponry, including self-guided torpedoes, rockets, and mines that can be launched underwater.

Navy’s ship commissioning targets for next year:

Anti-submarine warfare corvettes – 6

Diving support crafts – 3

17A-class frigates – 4

Survey vessels – 2

Multi-purpose vessels – 2

Diving support vessels – 1