Indian Navy Commissions Stealth Frigate

'INS Sahyadri', the third stealth frigate of the Shivalik Class, commissioned at the Mumbai Naval Dockyard.

The warship, named after the mountain range Sahyadri, can generate speeds of 30 knots and is equipped with an array of surface, sub-surface and air defence weapons, including long range anti ship missiles, anti-aircraft missiles, with two multi role helicopters embarked on the vessel.

India's Defence Minister AK Antony said the event was a big step towards “self reliance” in building warships. “We have been gradually shifting from a buyers’ Navy to a builder’s Navy,” he added.

On shipbuilding capabilities, Antony emphasised on the need to match international standards in quality and build period, with production based on “quality ships in a shorter time frame at competitive costs”. Sahayadri took almost a decade to be made.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma, describing the design skills of Indian Navy ship-builders, spoke of the appreciation the Shivalik Class warships have been getting during port calls.

“We can say our warships are among the best in the world. Shivalik Class design has been appreciated by the eastern fleet during port calls in Japan, South Korea and China.”