INS Kesari (Shardul-class) to be commissioned on April 5

INS Kesari (see photos), the Navy’s latest amphibious vessel of the Shardul-class will be commissioned into service on April 5 at the IN Jetty at Naval Base, Vizag. The GRSE-built vessel is the second in the Shardul-series of landing ships. I was at INS Kadamba, Karwar in January 2007 when INS Shardul was inducted. Here’s the rest of what the Navy sent out today on the induction:

Kesari is the Fourth LST (L) of the Indian Navy and second of the Shardul class. She is a further upgrade on the basic Magar Class (the First LST (L)) in her suite of weapons, sensors and indigenous content. The ship can carry 11 Main Battle Tanks and 500 Troops at speeds in excess of 16 Knots. Besides undertaking amphibious operations, the ship is a potent assault platform capable of operating both seaking 42C and the indigenous Dhruv helicopters. She is fitted with two indigenous WM 18A Rocket Launchers to support the amphibious operations. The threat from air is dealt with through two indigenous CRN 91 Anti Aircraft Guns mounted on stabilized optronic pedestals and shoulder launched IGLA Surface to Air Missiles. It also has ‘soft kill’ ability through Chaff Rockets, which can be used to clutter the sensory inputs of an incoming enemy aircraft or missile.

The ship is fitted with Remote Propulsion Control, Battle Damage Control System and Automated Power Management System. These are fully integrated, microprocessor based, digital control systems for providing control and for monitoring ship’s machinery and systems. The ship also has a microprocessor based anti-roll Flume Stabilisation System and Smoke Curtains to impede spreading of smoke and toxic gases in case of fire onboard. In addition, the ship can act as a Fleet tanker through stern refueling of other naval vessels and as a hospital ship. The ship is also ideally suited to undertake humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

14 thoughts on “INS Kesari (Shardul-class) to be commissioned on April 5”

  1. Is she *completely* indigenous – from the design board upwards?

    If so, shah-bash India! She is definitely a looker, and seems to be something that the Indian Navy needs.

    I was wondering on the potency and necessity of have an Aircraft carrier in the fleet. I know that power projection etc are important, but surely India has no need for such a mammoth waste of money – especially given the bang for the buck that submarines and frigates give us in terms of the bad-ass aura required to prevent attacks.

    I mean, who the hell in their right minds would spend money attacking India on the conventional battlefield? And a battlecarrier group is simply an offensive weapon – a la USA.

    Looking forward to many wise responses on the issue, as I am quite confused on the issue.

  2. Ankur: I sure am glad you brought this up. Let’s have some views on this one. It’s a controversial proposition, but one that’s definitely been discussed. Here’s what I’ll do: I’ll ask Admiral Arun Prakash to tell us what he thinks, and post his thoughts here as soon as I can.

  3. It is a stupid question. But I can’t resist asking that.

    How will they load the tanks into the ship ? (same way they unload them as shown in the pics)??

  4. Shiv: I’m really looking forward to hearing from the Admiral!

    I am also not of a completely defensive posture – I am just unsure of the future of conventional warfare. And India has *always* maintained a defensive posture, having never invaded any country.

    Also, the Aircraft carriers are hugely expensive and ridiculously vulnerable from what I hear. I know that the source is dodgy, but here is something I pulled from Wikipedia:

    “Military experts such as John Keegan have noted that in any future naval conflict between reasonably evenly matched powers, all surface ships – including aircraft carriers – would be at extreme and disproportionate risk, mainly due to the advanced capabilities of satellite reconnaissance and anti-ship missiles. Contrary to the thrust of most current naval spending, Keegan therefore postulates that eventually, most navies will move to submarines as their main fighting ships, including in roles where submarines play only a minor or no role at the moment.”

  5. Hi everyone
    My name is Tom, I live in Fort Worth, TX.

    I am here to network / interact with other people for sharing knowledge, discussing ideas, seeking advice, find business partners & the like.

    Peace out.

  6. HAI, THIS IS ASHOK I WAS WORKED IN INS KESARI FOR SOP INSTALLATION AND TESTING.I AM VERY PROUD OF THAT.

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