Tuesday, August 11, 2009

DTN News: Indian Naval Ships On Goodwill Visit To Brunei

DTN News: Indian Naval Ships On Goodwill Visit To Brunei *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Burnei - August 11, 2009: The Airavat and Khukri, both Indian Naval Ships (INS) arrived in Brunei on a goodwill visit, coinciding with the Bridex 2009, from August 9 to 12. INS Airavat was formally handed over to the Indian Navy in March this year at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited, Kolkota. Airavat is the fifth LST (L) of the Indian Navy and third of the Shardul class. As a platform designed for amphibious operations against the enemy, she is a further upgrade on the basic Magar Class (the first LST (L)) in her suite of weapons, sensors and indigenous content. The High Commission of India said the visit is an important component of India's overall contribution to the Bridex which includes participation by the Indian defence industry and senior defence delegates. It added that the visit also signifies the importance that India 'attaches' toward sustaining and strengthening the age-old links and friendly relations with Brunei Darussalam. The INS Airavat is the fifth indigenously built Landing Ship Tank (Large) or LST (L) of the Indian Navy and was commissioned on May 19. The ship measures 125 metres in length, 17.5 metres in breadth and displaces 5600 tonnes and can achieve speed in excess of 16 knots. Third of the Shardul Class of ships, INS Airavat is one of the most sophisticated LST (L) in the Indian Navy, designed for amphibious operations. The ship can carry 10 main battle tanks, 11 combat trucks and 500 troops during operations. Aside from amphibious operations, the ship is a potent assault platform capable of operating both Seaking 42C and the indigenous Dhruv helicopters. In addition, the ship acts as a fleet tanker through stern refuelling of other naval vessels and also as hospital ship. The ship is commanded by Commander Manish Sharma, a specialist in navigation and direction. Meanwhile, the INS Khukri was commissioned in the Indian Navy on August 23, 1989 in Mumbai. It is a corvette of the Project 25 class of ships built at the Mazgaon Docks Limited. Being entirely indigenous in concept, design and construction, Khukri demonstrates India's technological advancement in the field of electronics, sensors and ship building. For her stellar service in the Navy, the ship was awarded the unit citation in 2006. It is commanded by Commander Ashutosh Ridhorkar, a specialist in antisubmarine warfare. During their stay in Muara, the ships and crews will participate in professional interactions with the Royal Brunei Navy. The commanding officers will call on the senior defence, police and port officials. The crew will also be participating in community services. The ships will be open to the public between 10am and 2pm on August 11 and 12. The ships will sail off on August 12 for Bitung Bay on the Sulawesi Island of Indonesia to participate in an International Fleet Review.

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