INS Astradharini ("Weapon-holder", from Sanskrit: अस्त्र astraa, "Weapon" and धारिणी dhārini, "holder") (translated as "she who keeps weapons") is an indigenously designed and built torpedo launch and recovery vessel built by Shoft Shipyard for the Indian Navy. She was commissioned into Navy Service on 6 October 2015 at the Naval Base in Visakhapatnam. After her commissioning, the ship joined the Eastern Naval Command.
 Torpedo Launch and Recovery Vessel INS Astradharini in Visakhapatnam, 2015.
| |
| History | |
|---|---|
 India | |
| Name | INS Astradharini |
| Namesake | She who keeps weapons |
| Operator | Indian Navy |
| Builder | Shoft Shipyard Pvt. Ltd |
| Commissioned | 6 October 2015 |
| In service | 6 October 2015 |
| Homeport | Vishakhapatnam |
| Identification | Pennant number: A61 |
| Status | in active service |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Torpedo launch and recovery vessel[1] |
| Displacement | 650 tonnes (720 short tons)[2] |
| Length | 50 m (160 ft)[1][3] |
| Speed | 15 knots (28 km/h)[1][3] |
| Complement | 2 officers and 27 sailors and can carry 13 additional crew[1][3] |
| Notes | Catamaran Hull design.[1] |
Purpose
editThe vessel is a replacement for INS Astravahini that was built by Goa Shipyard Limited and P.S. and Company for the Indian Navy. It was decommissioned on 17 July 2015 after 31 years of service. INS Astradharini is designed to conduct technical trials of underwater weapons and systems including torpedoes and mines.[1][3]
See also
editReferences
editWikimedia Commons has media related to INS Astradharini (A61).
- ^ a b c d e f "India's first indigenous torpedo vessel INS Astradharani got commissioned today: All you need to know". India Today. 7 October 2015. Archived from the original on 11 October 2015. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
- ^ "ASTRADHARINI TO SPEED UP WEAPON DEVELOPMENT". Indian Defence News. Retrieved 24 October 2015.
- ^ a b c d "INS Astradharani commissioned". The Hindu. 6 October 2015. Retrieved 8 October 2015.