India commissions guided missile destroyer

NEW DELHI, Sept. 30 (UPI) -- The Indian Navy's newest Kolkota-class guided missile destroyer, the INS Kochi, was commissioned into service on Wednesday at a shipyard in Mumbai.

The ship, the second of three destroyers built under Project 15A, is 538 feet long, displaces 8,267 tons and can achieve a speed of more than 30 knots.

It is fitted armed with active phased array radar and carries BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles as well as a 76mm gun and other weapons.

It was built at Mazagaon Docks in Mumbai.

"Induction of INS Kochi, with her multi-dimensional combat capability, adds more teeth to the sword arm of the Indian Navy in discharging her duties of safe-guarding national maritime interests," the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral RK Dhowan said. "This further reaffirms our resolve and faith in indigenous ship building and 'Make in India' program."

Kolkota-class ships are the largest built in India. The first-of-class vessel was commissioned last year. The third, INS Chennai, will scheduled for induction into the navy late next year.