Shardul-class (lit. 'Tiger') landing ships are large amphibious warfare vessels built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers for the Indian Navy. They are an evolution of the Magar-class amphibious landing ships. Initially, the ship was classified as Landing Ship Tank (Large) or LST(L). The class has an indigenous content of over 90%.[1] The ships also carry four landing craft vehicle personnel (LCVP) on board, which can be used for the landing of troops.[2]

History

The order for the vessels were placed in December 2001 while the contract was signed in early 2002.[1]

The ship is equipped with WM-18 140 mm rocket launchers, developed by DRDO and manufactured by Larsen & Toubro. Two units of the system is integrated with one each on port and starboard. The rocket launcher has 18 tubes in a configuration of 6×3. These are used for beach clearing operations before initiating amphibious operations. The armament also includes four CRN-91 autocannons for self-defence.[3][4][5]

Shardul was the first vessel commissioned at Karwar Naval Base, INS Kadamba. The second ship Kesari was commissioned at the Visakhapatnam Naval Base,[6] and later moved to Port Blair.[7] The third ship Airavata underwent sea trials in 2008 and was commissioned in 2009.[8][9][10]

Ships

Name Pennant Number Laid down[1] Launched[1] Commissioned Homeport Status
 Indian Navy
Shardul L16 16 December 2002 3 April 2004 4 January 2007 Karwar Active
Kesari L15 8 June 2005 5 April 2008 Port Blair
Airavat L24 27 March 2006 19 May 2009 Visakhapatnam

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Shardul Class". Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  2. ^ "Operation Samudra Setu: Why the Indian Navy chose INS Jalashwa and INS Magar". The Week. 6 May 2020. Archived from the original on 6 December 2024. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  3. ^ @DefenceDecode (10 August 2020). "DRDO-L&T Rocket Launcher WM-18: Rocket Launcher WM-18 is used for beach clearing operations by the LST class of ships, before executing amphibious operations. The weapon system comprises 2 launcher mounts, one each for port and starboard..." (Tweet). Retrieved 22 September 2024 – via Twitter.
  4. ^ @strategicfront (17 June 2020). "Vietnamese amphibious ships with L&T WM-18 Rocket Launchers . The WM-18 is used for beach clearing operations by the Shardul-class LST of the IN, before executing amphibious operations..." (Tweet). Retrieved 22 September 2024 – via Twitter.
  5. ^ @strategicfront (25 May 2021). "L&T's missile systems production plant. L&T works as both the systems integrator & the supplier for many munitions..." (Tweet). Retrieved 22 September 2024 – via Twitter.
  6. ^ "INS Kesari Commissioned". Indian Navy. 5 April 2008. Archived from the original on 21 June 2008. Retrieved 6 July 2019.
  7. ^ "Another naval ship heads for Seychelles". The Hindu. 8 May 2009. Retrieved 21 February 2015.
  8. ^ Balajj, J. (8 April 2008). "INS Airavata for basin trials in May". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 29 April 2012. Retrieved 21 February 2015.
  9. ^ "Image of INS Airavat". Press Information Bureau. Government of India. 19 May 2009. Retrieved 21 February 2015.
  10. ^ "Image during Commissioning ceremony". Press Information Bureau. Government of India. 19 May 2009. Retrieved 21 February 2015.
Allikas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shardul_class-_Large_Landing_Ship_Tank
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