The Indian Navy has commissioned its new naval offshore patrol vessel (NOPV), INS Sumitra, at Goa Shipyard, India.
INS Sumitra is the fourth in a series of NOPVs that are being indigenously designed and constructed by Goa Shipyard.
The 105m-long vessel is powered by twin diesel engines, each driving a controllable pitch propeller through a reduction gearbox, and is fitted with navigation, communication and electronic warfare equipment.
Its main weaponry package is a 76mm SRGM and two 30mm guns with an associated fire-control system, together with four chaff launchers.
The NOPV will be used for ocean surveillance and surface warfare operations to prevent infiltration and transgression of maritime sovereignty.
The vessel will be deployed to monitor sea lines of communication, offshore oil installations, escort high-value ships, fleet support operations, helicopter support operations and the support other important offshore national assets.
