INS Sumedha, Joins Indian Navy

INS Sumedha Commissioned into the Navy

INS Sumedha dressed overall for commissioning ceremony

INS Sumedha was commissioned into the Indian Navy at Goa on 07 Mar 14, by Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. Sumedha is the third ship of the indigenous Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV) Project to be inducted into the Indian Navy. The ship has been designed and built by Goa Shipyard Limited. The design of the ship aptly demonstrates the immense potential of the country’s indigenous design and ship building capability.

Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, FOC-in-C East, Unveiling the commissioning Plaque

The induction of INS Sumedha is aimed at meeting the increasing ocean surveillance and patrolling requirements of the Indian Navy. The primary role of the ship is to undertake EEZ surveillance, anti-piracy patrols, fleet support operations, providing maritime security to off shore assets and carry out escort operations for high value assets. It is noteworthy that INS Saryu the sister ship commissioned earlier has successfully completed a long and arduous deployment in the Gulf of Aden, undertaking escort operations.

Guard of Honour

The ship’s weapon and sensor outfit includes a SRGM 76.2 mm gun, close in weapon systems, latest navigational and early warning radar, chaff launching for self protection and an integrated ESM system to undertake all assigned missions. She is also equipped with two rigid inflatable fast motor boats and is capable of carrying a helicopter onboard. 

Vice Admiral Anil Chopra interacting with crew

The ship is propelled by two diesel engines which are the largest engines of their type to be inducted in the Indian Navy; enabling the ship to achieve high speeds. The entire propulsion and power management of the ship is controlled electronically by means of a remote control system which also incorporates the ‘Automatic Power Management System’. The ship is equipped with a fully integrated LAN system onboard along with a CCTV management system ensuring optimal utilization of onboard equipment.

Presenting memento

The ship is manned by 09 officers and 105 sailors. The ship staff is accommodated in ergonomic cabins, with enhanced crew comfort with better management of space. The induction of the ship will greatly enhance the off shore surveillance and maritime patrolling capability of the Indian Navy. The ship is commanded by Commander Anand E Kulkarni, a Gunnery Specialist.

INS Sumedha during trials (File Photo)