An amphibious assault ship named INS Jalashwa, which is Indian Navys latest induction has joined the Eastern Fleet at Visakhapatnam.
New Delhi, Sept 13 : An amphibious assault ship named INS Jalashwa, which is Indian Navy's latest induction has joined the Eastern Fleet at Visakhapatnam.
'Jalashwa', a Sanskrit name of the Hippopotamus, can embark, transport and land various elements of an amphibious force to support operations ashore.
This is the first ship to be transferred from the US besides being the first Landinglatform Dock (LPD) to be acquired by the Navy.
Being, the second largest ship in the Navy's inventory with a length of about 175 metres and width of 32 metres, INS Jalashwa is equipped with a Landing Craft Mechanized (LCM-8) along with helicopters, Radars and rapid firing guns to undertake amphibious operations and maritime surveillance.
The ship is capable of moving at the speed of 20 Knots.
Unlike regular warships, this ship has a flight deck for helicopter operations from which four medium helicopters can operate simultaneously. This deck can also be used to operate vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft like the Sea Harrier, in special circumstances.
Since the ship is capable of embarking over 1000 troops, she is fully equipped with extensive medical facilities including four Operation Theatres, 12-bed ward, Laboratory and a Dental centre to ensure the health care of the embarked personnel.
The ship is being commanded by Captain B S Ahluwalia, a helicopter pilot and manned by a crew of about 27 officers and 380 sailors.
ANI