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India on Thursday kicked off a major display of maritime might, with ships from 50 navies converging on the country's east coast.
Ninety ships including from the US, French, British and Chinese navies are taking part in the International Fleet Review in the Bay of Bengal -- a ceremonial inspection and parade of boats and crews.
Rediff.com tells you all you need to know of some of the major ships from different countries that will participate in what is being described as ‘Indian Navy’s biggest event’.
>> HMAS Darwin
This is an Adelaide-class guided missile frigate of the Royal Australian Navy. A long-range escort frigate that undertakes operations including area air defence, anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance. Darwin’s principal weapons are the standard medium-range anti-aircraft missile and Harpoon anti-ship missile, both of which are launched from the Mk 13 launcher on the forecastle. Photograph: Australian Navy
>> BNS Somudra Joy
A modified Hamilton-class ship, is one of the largest frigates of the Bangladesh Navy. The ship was acquired from the USA and was commissioned on December 23, 2013.
>> PLA N Liuzhou
A type 054A (Jiangkai II) multi-role frigate is in service for the Chinese Navy. It was commissioned in 2012. It is equipped with HQ-16 medium-range air defence missiles, anti-submarine rockets in a VLS system, two Type 730 CIWS and H/PJ26 76 mm dual purpose gun mount in addition to a plethora of sensors and processing systems.
>> Frégate Européenne Multi-Mission
FREMM (Frégate Européenne Multi-Mission) Provence is an Aquitaine class multi-mission frigate of the French Navy. The 140-metre long and 20-metre wide frigate has a displacement of 6,000 tons and is capable of accommodating 108 officers and crew. Photograph: Marine nationale
>> JS Matsuyuki
This ship is a guided missile destroyer serving with the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force. Displacing over 3,000 tons, it can propel at a maximum speed of 30 knots. Its primary role is antisubmarine warfare. Photograph: Romeo Ranoco/Reuters
>> HMS Defender
This is the fifth of the Type 45 Daring-class air defence destroyers built for the Royal Navy. The ship is primarily designed for anti-air warfare with the capability of defence against sophisticated targets such as fighter aircraft, drones as well as highly manoeuvrable sea skimming anti-ship missiles travelling at supersonic speeds. Photograph: www.royalnavy.mod.uk
>> USS Antietam
This is a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser of the United States Navy. Antietam was named for the site of the 1862 Battle of Antietam, Maryland during the American Civil War. The ship was commissioned in June 1987. With her guided missiles and rapidfire guns, the ship is capable of facing and defeating threats in the air, on the sea, on the shore, and even underwater. Photograph: Tyrone Siu/Reuters
>> INS Vikramaditya
INS Vikramaditya is a modified Kiev class aircraft carrier which entered service with the Indian Navy in 2013. She was commissioned in November 2013 at Severodvinsk, Russia. On June 14 2014, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi formally inducted INS Vikramaditya into the Indian Navy and dedicated it to the nation. With a capacity of over 8,000 tonnes, she is capable of operations over a range of 7,000 nm non-stop. The ship has the ability to carry over 30 aircraft comprising an assortment of MiG 29K/Sea Harrier fighter aircraft and Kamov 31, Kamov 28, Sea King, ALH-Dhruv and Chetak helicopters.
>> Talwar Class
The Talwar class guided missile frigates were designed and built in Russia and inducted into the Indian Navy between 2003 and 2004. These ships incorporate latest stealth features which include reduced radar, infrared, acoustic and magnetic signatures. This is complemented by an advanced sensor suite, combat management system and an integral Airborne Early Warning Kamov 31 helicopter. In its offensive role, its formidable arsenal comprises vertical launch long range surface-to-surface missiles, long-range anti-ship and anti-submarine torpedoes and an MR gun.