Two frontline guided missile corvettes of the Eastern Naval Command, INS Khanjar and INS Kora, arrived at the Kidderpore port of Kolkata on Thursday, November 28, as part of the Navy Week public outreach programme. Both warships are currently deployed in the Bay of Bengal under mission-based operations, showcasing the Navy’s strength and preparedness.
As per a report by Bhaskar English, the Commanding Officer of INS Khanjar said that the ship may be 34 years old. “This ship is 34 years young, and over the last 34 years, INS Khanjar has covered the entire Indo-Pacific region. Khanjar is a guided-missile corvette equipped with surface-to-surface missiles and modern sensors. Whether it is a combat role, anti-piracy operations, humanitarian assistance or disaster relief, INS Khanjar is ready for every mission", he told Bhaskar English.
About INS Khanjar
INS Khanjar, commissioned in 1991, is a P-25 Class corvette built in India and known as the “Grey Ferrari”. It carries powerful surface-to-surface missiles along with modern sensors that make it a vital asset in naval operations.
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About INS Kora
INS Kora, which also docked in Kolkata, is the lead ship of the P-25A Class Guided Missile Corvettes. Built by GRSE and commissioned on 10 August 1998, it is named after the Kora, Nepal’s national sword, famously linked to the Gurkhas. INS Kora is currently commanded by Commander Chandan Jha.
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Both ships are crucial parts of the Eastern Fleet. They demonstrate India’s offensive strike capabilities at sea and its commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat through indigenous warship construction. In wartime, they are designed to deliver powerful first-strike attacks. In peacetime, they protect India’s Exclusive Economic Zone, secure ports and coastal areas, and guard harbours.
Their visit to Kolkata highlights the Navy’s growing maritime reach and its focus on engaging with the public during Navy Week.
