INS Kolkata

{{Short description|Destroyer in the Indian Navy}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}

{{Use Indian English|date=July 2019}}

{{Infobox ship begin

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{{Infobox ship image

| Ship image = File:201117-N-NC885-1128 (cropped).jpg

| Ship caption = INS Kolkata

}}

{{Infobox ship career

| Hide header =

| Ship country = India

| Ship flag = {{shipboxflag|India|naval}}

| Ship name = Kolkata

| Ship namesake = Kolkata

| Ship ordered =

| Ship awarded =

| Ship builder = Mazagon Dock Limited

| Ship original cost =

| Ship yard number = 701

| Ship way number = D63

| Ship laid down = September 2003

| Ship launched = 30 March 2006

| Ship sponsor =

| Ship christened =

| Ship completed =

| Ship acquired = 10 July 2014

| Ship commissioned = 16 August 2014{{cite news|title=PM-Modi-inducts-Indias-largest-indigenously-built-warship-INS-Kolkata|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/PM-Modi-inducts-Indias-largest-indigenously-built-warship-INS-Kolkata/articleshow/40313665.cms|access-date=16 August 2014|archive-date=2 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002101358/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/PM-Modi-inducts-Indias-largest-indigenously-built-warship-INS-Kolkata/articleshow/40313665.cms|url-status=live}}

| Ship recommissioned =

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| Ship homeport = Mumbai

| Ship identification = *Pennant number: D63

  • {{MMSI Number|419000852}}
  • Callsign: AWFA

| Ship motto = "Yudhay Sarvasannadh"(Sanskrit)"Always Prepared for Battle"{{Cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=108832|title=Prime Minister Commissions INS Kolkata|website=pib.nic.in|access-date=2016-04-24|archive-date=7 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507081005/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=108832|url-status=live}}

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| Ship status = {{shipactive}}

| Ship notes =

| Ship badge = File:INS Kolkata (D63) crest.jpg

}}

{{Infobox ship characteristics

| Hide header =

| Header caption =

| Ship class =

| Ship type = Guided-missile destroyer

| Ship tonnage =

| Ship displacement = {{convert|7400|t|abbr=on}} full load{{cite news|title=Navy gets its largest destroyer|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/navy-gets-its-largest-destroyer/article6205050.ece|date=13 July 2014|access-date=15 July 2014|work=The Hindu|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303141734/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/navy-gets-its-largest-destroyer/article6205050.ece|archive-date=3 March 2018|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|title=INS Kolkata|url=http://www.indiannavy.nic.in/naval-fleet/ins-kolkata|website=indiannavy.nic.in|publisher=Indian Navy|access-date=28 April 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150616202823/http://indiannavy.nic.in/naval-fleet/ins-kolkata|archive-date=16 June 2015|df=dmy-all}}{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5MkSmXxRXU |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/s5MkSmXxRXU| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|title=INS Kolkata: embarquement immédiat|publisher=l'express|access-date=2 September 2016}}{{cbignore}}

| Ship length = {{convert|163|m|ftin|abbr=on}}

| Ship beam = {{convert|17.4|m|ftin|abbr=on}}

| Ship draught = {{convert|6.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}}

| Ship power =

| Ship propulsion = * Combined gas and gas system: 4 × Zorya-Mashproekt [https://www.linquip.com/device/4048/marine-gas-turbine-ugt16000r-dt59 DT-59 reversible gas turbines] producing 16.55MW each{{cite news|last1=Siddiqui|first1=Huma|title=INS Kochi turbocharged|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/industry/technology/ins-kochi-turbocharged/145742/|work=The Financial Express|date=5 October 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204123920/http://www.financialexpress.com/industry/technology/ins-kochi-turbocharged/145742/|archive-date=4 February 2018|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|last1=Bedi|first1=Rahul|title=India commissions first-of-class destroyer Kolkata|url=http://www.janes.com/article/42106/india-commissions-first-of-class-destroyer-kolkata|work=IHS Jane's Navy International|date=18 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821013002/http://www.janes.com/article/42106/india-commissions-first-of-class-destroyer-kolkata|archive-date=21 August 2014}}

| Ship speed = {{convert|30|kn|km/h|lk=in}}

| Ship range = {{convert|6000|nmi|km|abbr=on|lk=in}} at {{convert|18|kn|km/h|abbr=on}}

| Ship endurance =

| Ship test depth =

| Ship boats =

| Ship capacity =

| Ship troops =

| Ship complement =

300 (50 officers + 250 sailors)

| Ship sensors = *Radar :-

  • IAI EL/M-2248 MF-STAR S-band AESA multi-function radar{{cite news|title=Country's most potent indigenous warship joins service this month|url=http://spsnavalforces.com/exclusive/?id=18&h=Country-s-most-potent-indigenous-warship-joins-service-this-month|access-date=8 June 2014|publisher=SP's Naval Forces|date=8 June 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821171744/http://spsnavalforces.com/exclusive/?id=18&h=Country-s-most-potent-indigenous-warship-joins-service-this-month|archive-date=21 August 2016|df=dmy-all}}
  • Thales LW-08 D-band air search radar{{cite web |url=http://www.thalesgroup.com/Press_Releases/naval_Press_Release_Bharat_Electronics_awards_LW08/ |title=Bharat Electronics Ltd. awards LW08 contract to Thales |publisher=Thalesgroup.com |date=2 July 2008 |access-date=2 April 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727113416/http://www.thalesgroup.com/Press_Releases/naval_Press_Release_Bharat_Electronics_awards_LW08/ |archive-date=27 July 2011 |df=dmy-all }}
  • Garpun Bal (3TS-25E) radar {{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvWia6Jpwek&t=153s&ab_channel=IndianNavy|title=Virtual tour of INS Kolkata (Hindi)|website=YouTube}}
  • Sonar :-
  • BEL HUMSA-NG bow sonar
  • BEL Nagin active towed array sonar{{Cite web |title=Kolkata Class Destroyer INS Chennai will be commissioned on Monday |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/kolkata-class-destroyer-ins-chennai-manohar-parikkar-352990-2016-11-20 |access-date=2022-09-24 |website=India Today |language=en}}
  • Combat Suite :-
  • BEL EMCCA Mk4 combat management system

| Ship EW = * BEL Ellora electronic support measures{{cite web|last1=Som|first1=Vishnu|title=Inside India's New and Deadliest Warship|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/inside-indias-new-and-deadliest-warship-1224090|website=NDTV|access-date=23 November 2017|date=29 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170718032359/http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/inside-indias-new-and-deadliest-warship-1224090|archive-date=18 July 2017|df=dmy-all}}

| Ship armament = *Anti-air warfare :-

| Ship armour =

| Ship armor =

| Ship aircraft = 2 × Sea King or HAL Dhruv helicopters

| Ship aircraft facilities = Dual Enclosed hangar

| Ship notes =

}}

INS Kolkata is the lead ship of the {{sclass|Kolkata|destroyer|0}} stealth guided-missile destroyers of the Indian Navy. Named after the Indian city of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), she was constructed at Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) and was handed over to the navy on 10 July 2014 after completing her sea trials. The ship was officially commissioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a ceremony held on 16 August 2014.Liberian-owned

Construction

The keel of Kolkata was laid down in September 2003 and she was launched on 30 March 2006.{{citation | first=Reagan Gavin | last=Rasquinha | title=Queen of the high seas | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/bombay-times/queen-of-the-high-seas/articleshow/1473297.cms | journal=Times of India | date=2006-04-01 | access-date=14 October 2008 | archive-date=15 December 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081215174105/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-1473297,flstry-1.cms | url-status=live }} Her commissioning was originally planned for 2010, but this was delayed to 16 August 2014 as a result of a series of project delays.{{citation | last=Pandit | first=Rajat | title=Navy hit by delay of big-ticket projects | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Navy-hit-by-delay-of-big-ticket-projects/articleshow/2520694.cms | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018234213/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-11-06/india/27955807_1_frigates-project-15b-mdl | url-status=live | archive-date=2012-10-18 | journal=The Times of India | date=2007-11-06}}{{citation| last=Bhatt|first=Arunkumar| title= A lethal combination of stealth and strength | url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/04/01/stories/2006040104971300.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060409043256/http://www.hindu.com/2006/04/01/stories/2006040104971300.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=2006-04-09 | journal=The Hindu| date=2006-04-01 }} During her construction at MDL, she was given the designation Yard-701.

=Sea trials=

The commissioning of Kolkata was delayed from 2010 to 2014 due to delays in her construction and technical problems which were found during her sea trials. The issue detected was the generation of additional noise, which occurred when the engine, gearbox and shaft were operated together, but which worked issue-free when run independently. The issues were fixed and the sea trials were completed by February 2014, when the ship returned to MDL to undergo minor work before delivery.{{cite news|title=Peculiar problems were dogging warship INS Kolkata|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Peculiar-problems-were-dogging-warship-INS-Kolkata/articleshow/31628431.cms|access-date=9 June 2014|agency=TNN|work=The Times of India|date=8 March 2014|archive-date=15 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315005120/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Peculiar-problems-were-dogging-warship-INS-Kolkata/articleshow/31628431.cms|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Navy's ongoing hunt for heavy torpedoes leads to delay in modernisation process|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/indian-navy-hits-modernisation-crisis-no-weapons-tarpedoes/1/279309.html|access-date=9 June 2014|publisher=India Today|date=10 June 2013|archive-date=17 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130717085017/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/indian-navy-hits-modernisation-crisis-no-weapons-tarpedoes/1/279309.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=New details, pictures on Indian Navy's Future Kolkata class Destroyer|url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/naval-exhibitions/defexpo-2014-naval-show-daily-news/1555-new-details-pictures-on-indian-navys-future-kolkata-class-destroyer.html|access-date=9 June 2014|publisher=navyrecognition.com|date=10 February 2014|archive-date=23 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223052306/http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/naval-exhibitions/defexpo-2014-naval-show-daily-news/1555-new-details-pictures-on-indian-navys-future-kolkata-class-destroyer.html|url-status=live}}

=2014 carbon dioxide leak=

On 7 March 2014, during a complete check-up of the ship's machinery to fix the problems found during sea trials, a naval officer was killed and several workers were injured when a valve on a CO2 bottle malfunctioned during a test of the vessel's carbon dioxide fire-fighting unit at the Mazagaon dockyard. For the test, fire-retarding carbon dioxide gas was to be released into a compartment; the test was part of the destroyer's delivery trials. Kolkata{{'}}s engineering officer-designate, Commander Kuntal Wadhwa, inhaled a large amount of gas and was rushed to St George's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Two dockyard officials who also inhaled the gas were also taken to hospital for treatment.{{cite news|title=Navy hit by another accident; officer dead|newspaper=The Hindu|date=7 March 2014|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/navy-hit-by-another-accident-officer-dead/article5760901.ece|access-date=7 March 2014|last1=Baruah|first1=Amit|last2=Rajput|first2=Rashmi|archive-date=8 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308045352/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/navy-hit-by-another-accident-officer-dead/article5760901.ece|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/navy-officer-killed-in-mumbai-days-after-ins-sindhuratna-accident/article1-1192138.aspx |title=Navy hit again, officer dies in mishap on INS Kolkata - Hindustan Times |website=www.hindustantimes.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308004017/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/navy-officer-killed-in-mumbai-days-after-ins-sindhuratna-accident/article1-1192138.aspx |archive-date=2014-03-08}} {{cite web|title=One Naval Officer killed in INS Kolkata Gas Leak Accident|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/03/one-naval-officer-killed-in-ins-kolkata-gas-leak-accident/|work=IANS|publisher=news.biharprabha.com|access-date=7 March 2014|archive-date=2 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102145037/http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/03/one-naval-officer-killed-in-ins-kolkata-gas-leak-accident/|url-status=live}} MDL stated that the incident will not delay the scheduled commissioning of the ship.

=Weapon trials=

File:INS_Kolkata_firing_a_Long-Range_Surface-to-Air_Missile.png

As part of her pre-commissioning weapon trials at sea, Kolkata test-fired a BrahMos missile off Karwar's coast on 9 June 2014, and the test met all parameters.{{cite news|title=BrahMos missile test-fired from warship INS Kolkata|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/BrahMos-missile-test-fired-from-warship-INS-Kolkata/articleshow/36295940.cms|access-date=9 June 2014|work=The Times of India|date=9 June 2014|archive-date=9 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140609160908/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/BrahMos-missile-test-fired-from-warship-INS-Kolkata/articleshow/36295940.cms|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=India-Russia Missile Successfully Test Fired from Indian Warship|url=http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20140609/190444194/India-Russia-Missile-Successfully-Test-Fired-from-Indian-Warship.html|access-date=9 June 2014|publisher=RIA Novosti|date=9 June 2014|archive-date=10 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610134641/http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20140609/190444194/India-Russia-Missile-Successfully-Test-Fired-from-Indian-Warship.html|url-status=live}} On 15 February 2015, a BrahMos missile was test fired from INS Kolkata during the Tropex exercise in the Arabian Sea.{{Cite web|title = BrahMos missile test-fired from Indian Navy's newest ship INS Kochi, hits target|url = http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/brahmos-missile-test-fired-from-new-naval-ship-hits-target/|website = The Indian Express|date = 2015-11-02|access-date = 2016-01-05|archive-date = 23 March 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180323030824/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/brahmos-missile-test-fired-from-new-naval-ship-hits-target/|url-status = live}}{{Cite news|title = Supersonic BrahMos successfully test-fired from INS Kolkata - Times of India|url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Supersonic-BrahMos-successfully-test-fired-from-INS-Kolkata/articleshow/46248399.cms|website = The Times of India|date = 15 February 2015|access-date = 2016-01-05|archive-date = 8 March 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150308135139/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Supersonic-BrahMos-successfully-test-fired-from-INS-Kolkata/articleshow/46248399.cms?|url-status = live}}

On 29 December 2015 and 30 December 2015 the Indian Navy successfully test-fired the Barak 8 missile from INS Kolkata.{{Cite web|title = Indian Navy test-fires surface-to-air missile developed with Israel|url = http://www.mid-day.com/articles/indian-navy-test-fires-surface-to-air-missile-developed-with-israel/16815191|website = mid-day|date = 29 December 2015|access-date = 2016-01-05|archive-date = 4 March 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304080236/http://www.mid-day.com/articles/indian-navy-test-fires-surface-to-air-missile-developed-with-israel/16815191|url-status = live}}{{Cite news|title = Indian Navy test-fires missile developed with Israel|newspaper = Business Standard India|date = 29 December 2015|url = http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/indian-navy-test-fires-missile-developed-with-israel-115122900967_1.html|access-date = 2016-01-05|archive-date = 31 December 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151231220739/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/indian-navy-test-fires-missile-developed-with-israel-115122900967_1.html|url-status = live}} Two missiles were fired at high speed targets, during naval exercises being undertaken in the Arabian Sea.{{Cite web|title = Indian Navy successfully test fires surface-to-air missile Barak-8 {{!}} Brahmand News|url = http://www.brahmand.com/news/Indian-Navy-successfully-test-fires-surfacetoair-missile-Barak8/14524/1/10.html|website = www.brahmand.com|access-date = 2016-01-05|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160108204419/http://brahmand.com/news/Indian-Navy-successfully-test-fires-surfacetoair-missile-Barak8/14524/1/10.html|archive-date = 2016-01-08}}{{Cite web|title = Proud Moment. Indian Navy Tests The Most Formidable Missile In Its Arsenal|url = http://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/proud-moment-indian-navy-tests-the-most-formidable-missile-in-its-arsenal-248917.html|website = indiatimes.com|date = 30 December 2015|access-date = 2016-01-05|archive-date = 30 December 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151230233030/http://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/proud-moment-indian-navy-tests-the-most-formidable-missile-in-its-arsenal-248917.html|url-status = live}}

{{clear}}

Service history

class="wikitable"

!Deployment

!Date

!Port Visited

!Commander

!Notes and References

colspan="5" |2016
rowspan="4" |East Africa and the Southern Indian Ocean with frigate {{INS|Trikand|F51|6}} and fleet tanker {{INS|Aditya|A59|6}}

|28-30 August

|Port Victoria, Seychelles

| rowspan="4" |Captain Rahul Vilas Gokhale{{Cite web|url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/content/indian-warships-visit-port-louis-mauritius|title=Indian Warships visit Port Louis, Mauritius {{!}} Indian Navy|website=indiannavy.nic.in|access-date=2016-09-11|archive-date=7 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160907213332/http://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/indian-warships-visit-port-louis-mauritius|url-status=live}}

|Enhance defence ties with the Seychelles People Defense Forces{{Cite web|url=http://www.marinelink.com/news/warships-victoria-indian414528.aspx|title=Indian Warships Visit Port Victoria|website=Marine Link|date=28 August 2016|access-date=2016-09-11|archive-date=31 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160831210412/http://www.marinelink.com/news/warships-victoria-indian414528.aspx|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.eturbonews.com/74098/military-tourism-indian-warships-port-victoria-seychelles|title=Eturbonews|access-date=11 September 2016|archive-date=17 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917044621/http://www.eturbonews.com/74098/military-tourism-indian-warships-port-victoria-seychelles|url-status=live}}

1-4 September

|Port Louis, Mauritius

|{{Cite web|url=http://en.portnews.ru/news/225668/|title=Indian warships visit Port Louis, Mauritius|website=en.portnews.ru|date=5 September 2016|access-date=2016-09-11|archive-date=10 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510174446/http://en.portnews.ru/news/225668/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/government-press-release/visit-of-indian-warships-to-mombasa-kenya-10-13-september-2016-116091000279_1.html|title=VISIT OF INDIAN WARSHIPS TO MOMBASA KENYA 10 13 SEPTEMBER 2016 |newspaper=Business Standard India|date=10 September 2016|access-date=2016-09-11|archive-date=11 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911181125/http://www.business-standard.com/article/government-press-release/visit-of-indian-warships-to-mombasa-kenya-10-13-september-2016-116091000279_1.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/content/indian-warships-visit-port-louis-mauritius|title=Indian Warships visit Port Louis, Mauritius {{!}} Indian Navy|website=indiannavy.nic.in|access-date=2016-09-17|archive-date=7 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160907213332/http://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/indian-warships-visit-port-louis-mauritius|url-status=live}}

10-13 September

|Mombasa, Kenya

|{{Cite web|url=http://netindian.in/news/2016/09/11/00039495/indian-warships-reach-mombasa-kenya-visit|title=Indian warships reach Mombasa, Kenya on visit {{!}} NetIndian|date=2016-09-11|website=netindian.in|access-date=2016-09-11|archive-date=12 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160912180329/http://www.netindian.in/news/2016/09/11/00039495/indian-warships-reach-mombasa-kenya-visit|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/content/visit-indian-warships-mombasa-kenya|title=Visit of Indian Warships to Mombasa, Kenya {{!}} Indian Navy|website=indiannavy.nic.in|access-date=2016-09-17|archive-date=17 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917052136/http://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/visit-indian-warships-mombasa-kenya|url-status=live}}

20-23 September

|Durban, South Africa

|{{Cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/mbErel.aspx?relid=150928|title=Western Fleet Ships visit South Africa (20 - 23 September 2016)|website=pib.nic.in|access-date=2016-09-20|archive-date=10 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510111737/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/mbErel.aspx?relid=150928|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.aninews.in/newsdetail-MTA/MjgwNDQy/western-naval-fleet-ships-arrive-in-south-africa.html|title=Western Naval Fleet ships arrive in South Africa {{!}} ANI News|website=www.aninews.in|access-date=2016-09-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222030143/http://www.aninews.in/newsdetail-MTA/MjgwNDQy/western-naval-fleet-ships-arrive-in-south-africa.html|archive-date=22 February 2017|url-status=dead}}

= Operation Sankalp: 2023-24 anti-piracy patrols =

{{main|Operation Sankalp}}

Against the backdrop of an increase in attacks on commercial ships transiting the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Arabian Sea, on 21 December 2023, the Indian Navy increased maritime surveillance efforts in the Central and North Arabian Sea by deploying the P-8I Neptune maritime patrol aircraft and the SeaGuardian drone. The Indian Navy deployed a large flotilla of destroyers to safeguard international security.{{Cite web |title=Indian Navy deploys warships and surveillance aircraft to enhance maritime security - The New Indian Express |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/nation/2023/dec/31/indian-navy-deploys-warships-and-surveillance-aircraft-to-enhance-maritime-security-2646544.html |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=www.newindianexpress.com |archive-date=1 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301171058/https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/nation/2023/dec/31/indian-navy-deploys-warships-and-surveillance-aircraft-to-enhance-maritime-security-2646544.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Indian Navy deploys warships and surveillance aircraft to enhance maritime security - The New Indian Express |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/nation/2023/dec/31/indian-navy-deploys-warships-and-surveillance-aircraft-to-enhance-maritime-security-2646544.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301171058/https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/nation/2023/dec/31/indian-navy-deploys-warships-and-surveillance-aircraft-to-enhance-maritime-security-2646544.html |archive-date=1 March 2024 |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=www.newindianexpress.com}}

On 22 February 2024, Palau-flagged MV Islander came under Houthi attack of two anti-ship ballistic missiles. INS Kolkata, nearest to the ship rushed to assistance and An explosive disposal and medical team was sent to the vessel for assisteance. The ship could continue its journey forward.{{Cite news |date=2024-02-24 |title=Indian warship comes to rescue of merchant vessel under attack in Gulf of Aden |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indian-warship-rescues-merchant-vessel-under-attack-in-gulf-of-aden/articleshow/107964840.cms |access-date=2024-08-16 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}

On 4 March 2024, INS Kolkata, deployed to the Gulf of Aden, responded to a request from MSC Sky II, a Liberian flagged container vessel, that had reportedly been attacked by a drone or missile, at about 1900 h (IST) on 4 March 24, 90 nm southeast of Aden. The ship's master reported smoke and flames onboard following the attack. INS Kolkata was quickly redirected to provide the required support, and by 2230 hours (IST), it had reached the incident site. The Kolkata then escorted the ship from the area of the incident into the territorial seas of Djibouti at the master's request. Early on 5 March, a 12-person specialised firefighting team from Kolkata boarded the Sky II and extinguished the remaining fires. In addition, an explosive ordnance disposal team boarded the Sky II to evaluate residual risk. The 23-person crew, 13 of whom were citizens of India, were safe, and the ship continued sailing towards its next destination.{{Cite web |title=INDIAN NAVY PROVIDED ASSISTANCE TO LIBERIAN-FLAGGED CONTAINER VESSEL, MSC SKY II |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2011785 |access-date=2024-03-06 |website=pib.gov.in |archive-date=7 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240307110502/https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2011785 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=VIDEO: Indian Navy's Heroic Rescue Of Ship After Houthi Rebels Attacked It In Red Sea |url=https://english.jagran.com/india/video-indian-navy-heroic-rescue-of-ship-msc-sky-ii-after-houthi-rebels-attacked-it-in-red-sea-watch-10138162 |access-date=2024-03-06 |website=English Jagran |language=en |archive-date=5 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305154237/https://english.jagran.com/india/video-indian-navy-heroic-rescue-of-ship-msc-sky-ii-after-houthi-rebels-attacked-it-in-red-sea-watch-10138162 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Navy rescues ship under drone attack in Gulf of Aden, 13 Indians were onboard |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-navy-rescues-liberian-flagged-merchant-ship-gulf-of-aden-drone-attack-indians-2511003-2024-03-05 |access-date=2024-03-06 |website=India Today |language=en |archive-date=5 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305143253/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-navy-rescues-liberian-flagged-merchant-ship-gulf-of-aden-drone-attack-indians-2511003-2024-03-05 |url-status=live }}

On 6 March 2024, INS Kolkata responded to another crisis in the Gulf of Aden. About 55 nautical miles southwest of Aden, a drone or missile struck the Barbados-flagged bulk carrier MV True Confidence. When INS Kolkata arrived on the site, it used its onboard aircraft and boats and rescued 21 crew members, including an Indian national, via life rafts. The injured crew members received vital medical attention from the ship's medical experts.{{Cite news |date=2024-03-07 |title=Indian Navy comes to the rescue of missile-hit ship in Gulf of Aden |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indian-navy-comes-to-rescue-of-missile-hit-ship-in-gulf-of-aden/articleshow/108287063.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240307055107/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indian-navy-comes-to-rescue-of-missile-hit-ship-in-gulf-of-aden/articleshow/108287063.cms |archive-date=7 March 2024 |access-date=2024-03-07 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}{{Cite web |title=Watch: Indian Navy Warship Rescues 21 From Ship Hit By Houthi Missile |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/watch-indian-navy-warship-ins-kolkata-rescues-21-from-ship-hit-by-houthi-missile-5192833 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240307110409/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/watch-indian-navy-warship-ins-kolkata-rescues-21-from-ship-hit-by-houthi-missile-5192833 |archive-date=7 March 2024 |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=NDTV.com}}

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), an anti-ship ballistic missile had struck the Barbados-flagged Liberian-owned MV True Confidence. Three people were listed as critically injured, three as fatal, and at least four injuries were reported by the ship's crew. There was significant damage to the ship.{{Cite news |date=2024-03-07 |title=Indian Navy comes to the rescue of missile-hit ship in Gulf of Aden |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indian-navy-comes-to-rescue-of-missile-hit-ship-in-gulf-of-aden/articleshow/108287063.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240307055107/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indian-navy-comes-to-rescue-of-missile-hit-ship-in-gulf-of-aden/articleshow/108287063.cms |archive-date=7 March 2024 |access-date=2024-03-07 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}{{Cite web |title=Watch: Indian Navy Warship Rescues 21 From Ship Hit By Houthi Missile |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/watch-indian-navy-warship-ins-kolkata-rescues-21-from-ship-hit-by-houthi-missile-5192833 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240307110409/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/watch-indian-navy-warship-ins-kolkata-rescues-21-from-ship-hit-by-houthi-missile-5192833 |archive-date=7 March 2024 |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=NDTV.com}}{{Cite web |date=2024-03-07 |title=Navy rescues 1 Indian, 20 others after ship hit by Houthi missile {{!}} Watch |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/world/indian-navy-rescues-21-crew-including-1-indian-after-ship-hit-by-houthi-missile-in-gulf-of-aden-watch-11709793229161.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240307111034/https://www.livemint.com/news/world/indian-navy-rescues-21-crew-including-1-indian-after-ship-hit-by-houthi-missile-in-gulf-of-aden-watch-11709793229161.html |archive-date=7 March 2024 |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=mint |language=en}}

On 17 March 2024, INS Kolkata rescued 17 crew members and captured 35 pirates from the ex-Malta flagged MV Ruen, which had been hijacked on 14 December 2023, after a 40-hour long operation. As an Indian helicopter approached the hijacked ship, the pirates opened fire at it, shot down a ship-based UAV used for monitoring, and attacked the INS Kolkata as it intercepted the hijacked vessel. The interception was carried out about 2,600 km from the Indian coast. INS Kolkata disabled the ship's steering system and navigational aids, forcing the hijacked vessel to stop. Videos of the operation released by the Navy show the pirates using the crew members as human shield as warning shots were fired from the Kolkata. The entire operation was supported by INS Subhadra, UAVs, and P-8I aircraft. A platoon of 8 MARCOS commandos were air dropped from a C-17 Globemaster of the Indian Air Force. The warship called upon the pirates to surrender and to release the vessel and the crew from Bulgaria, Angola and Myanmar who were being held hostage. No injuries were sustained during the operation, and the ship was checked for illegal arms, ammunition, and contraband. The Navy reported that the ship, carrying approximately 37,800 tonnes of cargo worth over $1 million, would be brought safely to the nearest port after assessment of seaworthiness and essential repairs were undertaken by the naval technical team, for making the ship fit for further voyage.{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2024-03-17 |title=Indian Navy's 40-hour operation {{!}} Pirates shot down Navy's drone, Marine Commandos airdropped |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/40-hour-indian-navy-operation-in-arabian-sea/article67961302.ece |access-date=2024-03-18 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}{{Cite web |title=Ships, Drones, Commandos: How Indian Navy Rescued Hijacked Vessel |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ships-drones-commandos-how-indian-navy-rescued-hijacked-vessel-5254211 |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=NDTV.com}}{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2024-03-16 |title=INS Kolkata secures release of 17 crew of merchant vessel turned pirate vessel Ruen, 35 pirates surrender |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indian-navy-thwarts-attempt-of-somali-pirates-to-hijack-ships/article67957352.ece |access-date=2024-03-17 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}{{Cite news |title=Indian navy rescues hijacked vessel MV Ruen from 35 pirates; all crew-members safe |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indian-navy-rescues-hijacked-vessel-mv-ruen-from-35-pirates-all-crew-members-safe/articleshow/108551973.cms |access-date=2024-03-17 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}{{Cite web |title=Indian navy captures ship from Somali pirates, rescuing 17 crew members |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/16/indian-navy-captures-ship-from-somali-pirates-rescues-crew-members |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}} INS Kolkata, carrying the 35 pirates, later docked at Mumbai Harbour and handed over the pirates to the Mumbai Police. The pirates would later be taken for medical examination. After that, they will be produced before a court on 24 March 2024.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-23 |title=Warship INS Kolkata carrying 35 pirates, apprehended off Somalia coast, reaches Mumbai |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/warship-ins-kolkata-carrying-35-pirates-apprehended-off-somalia-coast-reaches-mumbai-101711165756548.html |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Navy Warship INS Kolkata Carrying 35 Pirates, Caught Off Somalia, Reaches Mumbai |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/navy-warship-ins-kolkata-carrying-35-pirates-caught-off-somalia-reaches-mumbai-5294395 |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=NDTV.com}}{{Cite news |title=Indian Navy brings 35 captured Somali pirates for trial in India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indian-navy-brings-35-captured-somali-pirates-for-trial-in-india/articleshow/108722518.cms |access-date=2024-03-23 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}{{Cite web |date=2024-03-23 |title='90 Incidents in 4 Months': Navy's Facts on 'Unsafe Sea' as 35 Somali Pirates Who Hijacked Cargo Ship Reach Mumbai |url=https://www.news18.com/india/mumbai-news-somali-pirates-hijacked-ship-mv-ruen-indian-navy-press-conference-8825805.html |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=News18 |language=en}}

The commanding officer of INS Kolkata, Captain Sharad Sinsunwal was awarded Shaurya Chakra on 15 August 2024 by President Droupadi Murmu due to his service during Operation Sankalp where INS Kolkata saved 67 lives and freed 17 hostages in 4 incidents. According to reports, "a total of 27 attacks took place during the time INS Kolkata was in the region, severely damaging 13 ships and resulting in the loss of lives of sailors." Many hits were also within few miles of the ship.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-14 |title=Navy officers get gallantry awards for anti-piracy operations in Gulf of Aden |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/navy-officers-get-gallantry-awards-for-anti-piracy-anti-drone-operations-in-gulf-of-aden-2582406-2024-08-14 |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=India Today |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Philip |first=Snehesh Alex |date=2024-08-15 |title=Daring flood rescue to leading a crashing Jaguar jet away from town, tales of India's bravehearts |url=https://theprint.in/defence/daring-flood-rescue-to-leading-a-crashing-jaguar-jet-away-from-town-tales-of-indias-bravehearts/2224782/ |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2024-08-14 |title=Capt Sharad Sinsunwal – Shaurya Chakra - Citation |url=https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2024/aug/doc2024814376701.pdf |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=static.pib.gov.on}}

See also

  • {{INS|Kochi}} - sister-ship and second of the class.
  • {{INS|Chennai}} -sister-ship and third of the class.
  • {{HMS|Calcutta}}

References