First ship of Project-15A launched

Mumbai, Mar 30 (UNI) The first ship (missile destroyer) of Project-15A - 'Kolkata' was launched at Mazagon dock here today.

The ship was formally launched by Mrs Roopa Byce, wife of Vice Admiral Sangram Singh Byce, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Western Naval Command.

Chief of the Army Staff General J J Singh and a number of senior Army and Naval officers were present on the occasion.

'Kolkata' is the first of three ships in the class presently under construction at Mazagon dock and is scheduled to join the Navy in 2010. The second and third ships will follow in 2011 and 2012, respectively.

The Project-15A ships are follow-on ships of the Project-15 destroyers, namely I N ships, Delhi, Mysore and Mumbai - the front line combatants of Indian Navy.

'Kolkata' has a length of 163 metres, width of 17.4 meters and displacement of 6,800 tons and will carry two helicopters on board.

Propelled by four gas turbines, the indigenously designed ship will have modern weapons and sensors, advanced action information system, total atmospheric control system and a host of other advanced features.

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