The Indian Navy has taken delivery of the fourth indigenously built Saryu-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) INS Sumitra from Goa Shipyard (GSL).
Claimed to be one of the country’s largest OPVs, the 105m-long anti-piracy vessel has already completed sea trials and is set for commissioning shortly.
Goa Shipyard chairman and managing director Shekhar Mital said: "It is a matter of great pride for GSL to complete the series construction of four NOPVs for the Indian Navy within the contracted time schedule and at [a] fixed cost."
The vessel features several electronic, communication and weapon systems that meet the navy’s increasing requirements for ocean surveillance and surface warfare operations, in a bid to avoid infiltration and transgression of maritime sovereignty.
Furthermore, the vessel can be deployed for monitoring sea lanes of communication, defence of offshore oil installations and other critical offshore national assets, while escorting high-value ships and fleet support operations.
The navy has already taken delivery of three OPVs from GSL, including INS Saryu, Sunayna and Sumedha in December 2012, September 2013 and January 2014, respectively.
Currently, six OPVs are being built at the shipyard for the Indian Coast Guard, which will be launched in succession from September to December.
With the first vessel scheduled for delivery in October 2015, all six will be delivered by November 2017.
Image: Indian Navy and Goa Shipyard officials during the delivery of INS Sumitra. Photo: courtesy of Goa Shipyard Ltd.
