The Indian Navy has commissioned the second Saryu-class naval offshore patrol vessel (NOPV), INS Sunayna (P58) at Kochi.
The 105m-long Goa shipyard-built vessel will support missions including surveillance and surface warfare operations, to prevent infiltration and transgression of maritime sovereignty for the Indian Navy.
Based under Southern Naval Command, the ship will also monitor sea lines of communication, defend offshore oil installations and other critical offshore national assets, escort high value ships and conduct fleet support operations.
The ship features a helicopter landing deck and hangar to enable the operation of an advanced light helicopter (ALH), as well as two rigid inflatable fast motor boats.
Additional features of the vessel include automatic radar plotting aid (ARPA), differential global positioning system (DGPS), electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) and communications according to global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) A3 regulations.
Powered by two KOEL / Pielstick Diesel engines, the warship is armed with a 76mm super rapid Ottomelara gun, two 30mm close-in weapon system guns and six chaff launchers for self protection.
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 108 sailors.
The first Saryu-class NOPV, INS Saryu from Goa shipyard was delivered to the Indian Navy in December 2012 and was commissioned in January 2013.
INS Sumedha and INS Sumitra, the third and fourth ships of the class, were launched in May 2011 and December 2010 respectively.
Image: INS Sumitra during its launching ceremony. Photo: courtesy of Goa Shipyard Limited.
