'INS Mumbai' in Kochi

Kochi, Nov 26 (UNI) 'INS Mumbai', a 'Delhi' class Destroyer, which played an important role in the 'Operation Sukoon' evacuation of Indians from Lebanon last year, is in Kochi, officials said today.

The warship, which is expected to be stationed at the Southern Naval Command headquarters here for some time, had played an important role in evacuating almost 2,400 Indians, Nepalese and Sri Lankans from war-torn Lebanon in July-August last year.

It arrived in Kochi yesterday for its ''workup'' (sea training drill), officials said.

A guided missile destroyer, the warship is equipped with Seaking helicopters, surface-to-air 'Uran' missiles, rocket launchers, 100 mm guns, surface-to-air launchers and other weapons.

According to sources, India is poised to acquire three more of these warships.

UNI