INS Tillanchang, the second ship in the series of the Trinkat class fast attack craft built by M/S Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, Kolkata was commissioned at naval base, Visakhapatnam. Mr MM Rajendran, the Governor of Orissa who was the chief guest, unveiled the ship’s plaque to mark the induction of the ship into the Indian Navy.

The chief guest, after receiving salute and inspecting a 50-men guard parade on the occasion, was introduced to the officers forming part of the commissioning crew of the new ship. The Commanding Officer of INS Tillanchang, Lt Cdr Roopan Bembey read out the commissioning warrant of the ship. Hoisting of Colours for the first time and breaking of the commissioning Pennant at the last bar of the national anthem signified the formal commissioning ceremony. Vice Admiral Vinod Pasricha, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command under whose operational control the ship has been placed, accepted the ship on behalf of the Navy.

The induction of the ship stands a testimony to the Navy’s efforts towards indigenous warship production. The ship, measuring 46 metres in length and with a displacement of 260 tonnes, is capable of sailing at a maximum speed of 30 knots. The ship is armed with 30 mm medak gun adding a lethal punch against air and surface threats. These special features of the ship would augment Navy’s strength in safeguarding the national interests against poaching activities in island waters surrounding A&N islands. The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and satellite communication systems.