April 10, 2002

'33'

COMMISSIONING OF INDIAN NAVAL SHIP PRABAL AT MUMBAI

    INS PRABAL, an indigenously built missile vessel will be commissioned by Shri Yogendra Narain, the Defence Secretary on 11 Apr 2002.

    The ship's name is synonymous with the firepower that has been packed into the ship by the Indian designers. The ship is an upgraded version of the six missile vessels commissioned in the 90s. Armed with sufficient number of surface-to-surface missiles the ship will provide the necessary impetus in strengthening the force levels and meeting the challenges in the western theatre. The ship has also been provided with a 76 MM combined surface and anti-aircraft gun and better radars and electronic warfare equipment.

    The ship, on commissioning, will be administered under the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command and will be based at Mumbai. The induction of the ship adds yet another feather to the nation's and the Indian Navy's effort in achieving indigenisation through self-reliance.