Mumbai: The state-of-the-art warship INS Mormugao, the second of four ‘Visakhapatnam’-class destroyers (also classed as P-15B stealth, guided-missile destroyers) indigenously designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau was commissioned into Indian Navy on December 18 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.

Expressing confidence about India being able to cater to not just local but global ship-building needs as well, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh speaking at Mumbai’s Mazagon docks during the Commissioning Ceremony of the INS Mormugao said, “INS Mormugao was a major example of the country’s indigenous defence production capability.”

“The commissioning of this warship is proof of excellence in India’s warship design and development. The INS Mormugao is one of India’s strongest warships and I have full confidence that it will facilitate remarkable growth in country’s maritime capability. The ship will be among one of the world’s most technologically-advanced missile carrier and is a major example of our indigenous defence production capability. There is no doubt that in the near future, we will cater to India’s ship-building needs but that of the world’s as well,” said Defence Minister Singh, adding that the country was en-route to attaining the objective of not only ‘Make in India’ but ‘Make for World’.

The warship, christened after the historic port city in the coastal State of Goa, and built by the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL) is said to be equipped state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles besides modern surveillance radar which provides target data to weapon systems. Capable of achieving speeds of over 30 knots, the warship is said to be able to fight under nuclear, biological and chemical warfare conditions.

The INS Mormugao was launched in September 2016 and commenced her sea trials on December 19, 2021, coinciding with 60 years of Goa’s Liberation from Portuguese rule. Her commissioning coincides with the day that ‘Operation Vijay’ was launched in 1961 to free Goa from Portuguese rule.

Also present on the occasion were General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Indian Armed Forces; Navy Chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar; Goa CM Pramod Sawant along with Goa Governor Sreedharan Pillai among others.

The Defence Minister noted that with the continuous increase for demand in military equipment owing to global security reasons, the country had every opportunity to utilise its capabilities to the fullest and move forward towards making India “an indigenous shipbuilding hub.”

Rajnath Singh commenting on the name of the warship and the historic importance of Mormugao, said: “Even as a port, Mormugao has contributed significantly to the growth of India’s maritime trade. Even today, it is one of the oldest and largest ports in the country and will retain this special place due to the services it provides…be it Mormugao fort or Mormugao port, both are recorded with great distinction in Indian history of India,” he said, noting the 17th century Maratha campaign against the Portuguese under Chhatrapati Sambhaji (Shivaji’s son).

Rajnath Singh commended the Indian Navy and MDL for the commissioning of INS Mormugao, describing it as the result of the hard work, dedication and aspirations of the engineers, technicians, designers and scientists. It is a matter of great pride for India, he said. The Defence Minister extended congratulations to the Indian Navy on behalf of the entire nation for not only safeguarding maritime interests, but also contributing significantly to the socio-economic progress. He lauded the Armed Forces for protecting the borders and coasts with unmatched courage and dedication, terming them as the backbone of India’s unprecedented growth.

“The achievement was “indicative of the large strides” the country had taken in warship design and building capability over the last decade,” said Navy Chief, Admiral R. Hari Kumar while stating that the Navy had a tradition of naming ships after cities which created an enduring umbilical link between the two. He added that the warship is a true illustration of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiative and it reinforces the Navy’s commitment to supporting India’s transformation into a global ship-building hub. The warship, with her multi-dimensional combat capability, will form part of the Western Fleet – the sword arm of the Indian Navy, he said.

Admiral R Hari Kumar complimented the Commanding Officer and his team of officers and sailors for their sustained efforts and perseverance during the trials and acceptance of the warship. He urged them to move forward with the same momentum and prepare for future operational deployments. He also commended MDL for playing a significant role in the transition from a ‘Buyers Navy to a Builders Navy’.