Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Monday dedicated the Indian Navy’s indigenously designed guided missile destroyer, INS Chennai to the city. A series of drills and events marked the dedication ceremony of the ‘P15A Guided Missile Destroyer’ at the Chennai Port Trust. Named after the city, INS Chennai is commanded by captain C. R. Praveen Nair and has 45 officers.

The ship, commissioned by then Defence Minister Manohar Parikkar last year, is one of the most potent warships to have been constructed in India. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister urged the Navy to protect the maritime interests of the state and the fishermen. “We are proud of our armed forces, who protect us from external enemies. They ensure that we are able to enjoy our freedom and democracy. The Indian Navy has always assisted the state during natural disasters,” the Chief Minister said.

“I urge the Indian Navy to protect the maritime interests of India and Tamil Nadu. Our fishermen must be protected against attacks so that they peacefully engage in the tradition of fishing in the exclusively economic zone,” he said. Noting that the state government had always addressed issues relating to armed forces, he said it would continue to provide all necessary support in this regard.

Eastern Naval Command, Commanding-in-Chief, Vice-Admiral, H C S Bisht, who was present, said the Navy was fully geared to meet the challenges at sea. The vessel’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities include indigenously developed rocket and torpedo launchers. Besides, it is equipped to fight under nuclear, biological and chemical warfare conditions. Some major indigenised equipment on-board include combat management system, rocket launcher, torpedo tube launcher, automated power management system and the bow mounted SONAR