Warship INS Chennai makes maiden visit to Chennai

Chennai, April 15 (IANS) India’s guided missile destroyer INS Chennai arrived here on Saturday on her maiden visit, the Defence Ministry said.

The warship is part of the Western Fleet and was commissioned into the Indian Navy last year, a Ministry statement said.

The frontline warship will be anchored off the Marina Beach in the evening for the people to have a glimpse. Named after the iconic port city, the ship will be illuminated at sunset.

The 163 metre-long ship with a displacement of 7,500 tonnes can rightfully be regarded as one of the most potent warships constructed in India.

The ship is propelled by four powerful gas turbines, capable of achieving speeds in excess of 30 knots.

INS Chennai has enhanced stealth features resulting in a reduced radar cross section achieved through efficient shaping of hull, full beam superstructure design, plated masts and use of radar transparent materials on exposed decks.

The warship is packed with sophisticated state-of-the-art weapons and sensors such as surface-to-surface missiles and surface-to-air missiles.

The ship is fitted with a modern surveillance radar which provides target data to the gunnery weapons systems.

The ship’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities are provided by the indigenously developed rocket launchers and torpedo launchers, the statement said.

It is equipped to fight under nuclear, biological and chemical warfare conditions, the statement added.

According to the statement some of the major indigenised equipment/system on board INS Chennai include combat management system, rocket launcher, torpedo tube launcher, automated power management system, foldable hanger doors and bow-mounted SONAR.