Indian Navy and INS Netaji Subhas proudly announce the visit to Kolkata by INS Sumitra, a Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel. This is a visit of a major naval platform to Kolkata after about a year. The warship will be ready to welcome visiting members of the public as part of being ‘Open for Visitors’ at Berth No 11, Khidderpore Docks (Entrance through Gate No 3) from 9 AM to 4 PM on Friday 22 Dec 23.
All those visiting would be required to carry a photo ID proof and adhere to applicable security and safety guidelines. Navy personnel, in coordination with CISF and Kolkata Police, would guide the visitors at the gate. Vehicles and bags are not permitted inside the dock gate.
The Indian Navy seeks the whole hearted cooperation of the public to ensure a smooth and memorable experience of visiting their warship in Kolkata.
ABOUT ‘INS SUMITRA‘ :
First Glance. INS Sumitra is the latest of four NOPV, Saryu class of ships conceived, designed, and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Limited, adding one more chapter to the nation’s continuing saga of indigenisation. The keel of the ship was laid on 28 April 2010 and was commissioned into the fleet by the Chief of Naval Staff on 04 Sep 2014 at Chennai. The ship is undoubtedly one of the most successfully designed indigenous ships in terms of hull form, equipment package, role-worthiness, and habitability. The ship is a frontline unit under the operational control of the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet. The ship boasts long endurance among IN ships and is capable of effectively meeting all roles of IN, making versatility her forte coupled with self-sufficiency during prolonged deployments.
Roles of the Ship. The fundamental role of the ship is to protect and safeguard our national maritime interests in times of peace, precautionary stage, and during war. Thus, fulfilling IN’s military, constabulary, diplomatic, and benign roles effectively across the entire spectrum of conflict. The ship, being the flag bearer of IN has been undertaking fleet support operations, HADR operations, Anti-Piracy missions, surveillance of EEZ and beyond, performing ELINT/COMINT, monitoring sea lines of communication, and also enhancing the diplomatic reach of the Navy across the globe.
Equipment Fit. The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art communication and navigation systems. The combat power is complimented by one 76mm gun (Super Rapid Gun Mount), two 30mm Anti-Air Warfare close-in weapon systems, two Kavach (indigenous) chaff, and an integrated Electronic Support Measures (ESM) system. The ship is capable of operating indigenous helicopters, Advanced Light Helicopters and Chetak making her mission ready, always and every time.
Battle Honours. The gallant battle honors for team Sumitra include the Non-Combatant evacuation operation RAHAT in 2015, wherein the ship was redeployed from Patrolling off the Gulf of Aden to war-trodden Yemen. The ship during this operation undertook five evacuations rescuing a total of 1621 evacuees including 961 Indians and 660 foreign nationals amidst aerial attacks and bombing. The ship has the prestigious distinction of being President’s Yacht during International Fleet Review 2016 and Presidents Fleet Review 2022. With the Ashoka emblem and flying the President’s flag on the mast, Sumitra stood out amid all other ships lined up for review.
Present Commission. The Ship is being commanded by Cdr Rajababu Sharma, as the ninth skipper at the helm. Being an able war horse of Poorvi Beda (Eastern Fleet) and Keeping the versatility to adapt to a wide range of operations, Team Sumitra, takes immense pride in remaining steadfast to its motto “Alert and Able”, सचेत एवं सक्षम always and ever.
