Visakhapatnam to Play a Key Role as India Continues to Modernize the Navy and Expand its Maritime Capabilities
Visakhapatnam is a major naval base and shipbuilding centre in India. In recent years, Visakhapatnam has emerged as a major centre for the development of indigenous naval technology. The city is home to a number of research and development institutions that are working on developing advanced technologies for the Indian Navy, including the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory and the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory. The growth of the shipbuilding industry in Visakhapatnam has had a significant impact on the local economy, providing employment opportunities for thousands of people in the region. The city is also home to a number of specialized training institutions that offer courses in shipbuilding and marine engineering, ensuring that the industry has a steady supply of skilled workers. Many navy ships and submarines have been built, developed, or tested in Visakhapatnam over the years. Here are a few examples:
INS Shalki and INS Shankul: These are two Sindhughosh-class submarines that were built at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam in the 1990s.
INS Kalvari: This is a Scorpene-class submarine that was built at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai, but it underwent extensive sea trials and testing in Visakhapatnam before being commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2017.
INS Kamorta: This is the first of four Kamorta-class corvettes that were built at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers in Kolkata, but it was launched and tested in Visakhapatnam in 2010.
INS Vikrant: This is India's first indigenous aircraft carrier, which was built at the Cochin Shipyard in Kerala but underwent extensive sea trials and testing in Visakhapatnam before being commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2022.
INS Kiltan: This is the third Kamorta-class corvette that was built at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers in Kolkata, but it was commissioned in Visakhapatnam in 2017.
INS Jalashwa: This is an amphibious transport dock that was originally built as the USS Trenton for the US Navy. It was acquired by the Indian Navy in 2007 and underwent extensive modifications and upgrades at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam before being commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2007.
INS Sindhudhvaj: This is a Sindhughosh-class submarine that was built at the Admiralty Shipyard in St. Petersburg, Russia, but underwent extensive modernization and upgrade work at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam before being re-commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2013.
INS Chakra II: This is a nuclear-powered attack submarine that was leased from Russia in 2012 for a period of ten years. It underwent extensive refit and upgrade work at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam before being commissioned into the Indian Navy as INS Chakra II in 2016.
INS Vikramaditya: This is an aircraft carrier that was originally built by Admiral Gorshkov for the Soviet Navy. It was acquired by India in 2004 and underwent extensive refit and upgrade work, including the installation of new weapons systems and the construction of a ski jump for STOBAR operations, at the Sevmash shipyard in Russia and the Cochin shipyard in Kerala. It underwent sea trials and testing in Visakhapatnam before being commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2013.
INS Chennai: This is a Kolkata-class destroyer that was built at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai, but it underwent extensive sea trials and testing in Visakhapatnam before being commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2016.
These are just a few examples of the many navy ships and submarines that have been built, developed, or tested in Visakhapatnam. The city is a vital hub for the Indian Navy and its shipbuilding industry, and it will continue to play an important role in the future as well. As Visakhapatnam has a long history of shipbuilding and has been a significant naval base for more than 200 years. The city's location on the east coast of India, with easy access to the Bay of Bengal, has made it an ideal location for naval operations and shipbuilding activities. The Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam is one of the largest and most advanced naval shipyards in India, capable of building and repairing a wide range of ships and submarines.
Visakhapatnam's role as a major naval base and shipbuilding center in India is crucial for the country's defense capabilities. The city's strategic location, advanced shipyards, and skilled workforce make it an ideal location for the development and construction of advanced naval vessels. As India continues to modernize its navy and expand its maritime capabilities, Visakhapatnam is likely to play an increasingly important role in the years to come.