As part of Navy Day celebrations, Indian Naval Ships Kirpan and Airavat are in Kolkata. The ship was ‘Open to Visitors’ at the Kidderpore Docks for two days on 13 and 14 Dec during which over 3000 visitors were taken around the ship. Over 1800 students from 50 schools visited the ships and obtained a first-hand experience of life on board.
INS Kirpan is the third ship of Khukri Class Missile Corvettes and was built by GRSE, Kolkata and commissioned on 12 Jan 1991. The 1400 ton Corvette is capable of carrying a potent range of weaponry which includes four surface to surface missiles, a medium range gun, anti-air Shoulder Launched Missiles and Close-in weapon system. The aviation element includes an operational capability for carrying a Chetak Helicopter. The ship is commanded by Cdr Charit Kapil. INS Airavat was built by GRSE in Kolkata and got commissioned on 19 May 2009. Since its commissioning it has actively participated in various deployments both overseas and at home. It has been part of various exercises and beaching operations.
INS Airavat was part of Defence of Andaman and Nicobar Island Exercise 2019 (DANX-19) which was held from 14 Oct to 18 Oct 19. DANX involves combined participation of Indian Navy, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard for validating and participating defence plans of Andaman and Nicobar Island.
This year the ship also undertook various hard, soft and standoff beaching at Radhanagar Beach in Havelock Island. The ship was also part of the maiden Indo-US tri-service amphibious exercise Tiger Triumph which was held on 13 – 21 of Sep 19. The ship is commanded by Cdr Sunil Sankar.
