NEW DELHI: An indigenously-built stealth guided missile destroyer, Visakhapatnam, which has been packed with an array of missiles and anti-submarine rockets, will be inducted into the Indian Navy on Sunday.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and top naval commanders will attend the induction ceremony to be held at the Western Naval Command.
“The commissioning of Visakhapatnam will reaffirm India’s presence amongst an elite group of nations with capability to design and build advanced warships,” vice-admiral Satish Namdeo Ghormade, the vice-chief of naval staff, has said.
Here’s all you need to know about the guided missile destroyer:
*’Visakhapatnam’ is equipped with lethal weapons and sensors, including supersonic surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, medium and short-range guns, anti-submarine rockets and advanced electronic warfare and communication suits.
*The ship has the capability of embarking two integrated helicopters and a very high level of automation with sophisticated digital networks, combat management systems and integrated platform management systems.
*’Visakhapatnam’ is the first stealth guided missile destroyer of Rs 35,000 crore Project 15B, under which a total of four warships are being built.
*The next ship is set to be commissioned in 2023, while the other two are planned to be inducted by 2025.
*The warship has been designed by the Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design, and constructed by Mazagon Dock Limited.

*The 163mX17m ship has a displacement of 7,400 tonnes.
*It can be called one of the most potent warships to have been constructed in India, as per officials.
*The ship, propelled by four powerful gas turbines, is capable of achieving speeds in excess of 30 knots.
*It is fitted with a modern surveillance radar that provides target data to the gunnery weapon systems of the ship.
*Visakhapatnam’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities are provided by indigenously developed rocket launchers, torpedo launchers and anti-submarine warfare helicopters.
*The ship is also equipped to fight under nuclear, biological and chemical warfare conditions.
(With inputs from Agencies)