VASCO: In a significant achievement for India’s naval capabilities and the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) successfully launched the first indigenous P1135.6 Frigate, named Triput, on Tuesday.
The ship was launched by Adv Rita Sreedharan, along with Goa Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai.
Triput is the first of two P1135.6 Class Frigates being built at GSL and it is the first time that these vessels are being constructed indigenously.
The 124-meter-long ship can reach speeds of 28 knots at a displacement of approximately 3200 tonnes and is equipped with advanced state-of-the-art weaponry and sensors. The Frigate features indigenous components, including specialized low-carbon micro-alloy grade steel for the hull and various systems developed by private industry.
Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, and Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, CMD of GSL, attended the launch ceremony along with other officials.
Since plate cutting ceremony of the ship on September 20, 2020 and keel laying on January 29, 2021, the Shipyard has made exceptional strides in achieving this milestone of launching.
“This import substitute is a hallmark of indigenisation incorporating multiple complex and advanced indigenous technology and systems. The hull of these Class of vessels is being made from indigenous steel, which is a specialised low carbon micro alloy grade steel,” the GSL stated in an official press release.
The construction of these ships is based on Indian Navy’s Specific requirements to meet the entire spectrum of Naval Warfare in all three dimensions.
“This Project contributes to the prosperity of the nation by developing the local ecosystem and supporting workforce and the MSMEs. The project is likely to generate substantial employment for local industry and MSMEs engaged on production activities at various factories and within Goa Shipyard Limited,” the GSL stated.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Pillai appreciated the efforts put in by Ministry of Defence, Indian Navy and the industry in ensuring that all ship building requirements of Indian Navy are fulfilled indigenously.