The Indian Navy has commissioned the first of four domestically-built naval offshore patrol vessels (NOPV), INS Saryu (P57), at Goa Shipyard in Vasco, India, to boost its maritime surveillance capabilities.
The 105m-long vessel is intended to help the navy meet growing needs of ocean surveillance capabilities around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Indian Navy Andaman and Nicobar Command commander in chief, air marshal PK Roy told the Press Trust of India: "It will patrol the exclusive economic zone around the islands as it has a capacity to be offshore for a month on its own."
Designed to conduct surface warfare missions to prevent infiltration and violation of maritime sovereignty, the NOPV can monitor sea lines of communication, as well as protect offshore oil installations and other critical offshore national assets.
Powered by two SEMT Pielstick diesel engines, INS Saryu is armed with a 76mm super rapid Ottomelara gun, two 30mm close-in weapon system guns and six chaff launchers.
Additional features of the ships include a helicopter landing deck and hangar to enable operation of the advanced light helicopter (ALH), as well as two rigid inflatable fast motor boats.
The 2,300t Saryu-class ships can cruise at speeds in excess of 25k, with a range of 6,000nm and can accommodate a crew of eight officers and 105 sailors.
The second ship of the class, INS Sunayna, is scheduled to be delivered to the Indian Navy in May 2013, while the remaining two ships, INS Sumitra and INS Sumedha will be handed over within the next 18 months.
Image: A Goa Shipyard-built offshore patrol vessel INS Saryu at sea. Photo: courtesy of Goa Shipyard.
