Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has commissioned INS Vajrakosh, the latest establishment of the Indian Navy at Karwar in Karnataka. This will serve as a missile storage and replenishment facility for warships operating in the Western Coast. It is poised to be the Indian Navy’s premier base on the western seaboard, and the base for some vital naval assets. Constructed by DRDO at the most strategic location in the West Coast, the naval missile base will store the long-range BrahMos missiles and armaments.

Naval units operating out of Karwar are required to be equipped with specialised armaments and missiles. These sophisticated missiles and ammunition require special storage facility and specialised servicing facilities. The commissioning of INS Vajrakosh, the third naval establishment commissioned in Karwar, will allow the Navy to further bolster the offensive and defensive capabilities of its platforms.

What do you know about INS Vikrant?

• INS Vikrant is the first aircraft carrier built in India and the first Vikrant-class aircraft carrier built by Cochin Shipyard (CSL) for the Indian Navy.
• The motto of the ship is Jayema Sam Yudhi Sprdhah. It means “I defeat those who fight against me”.
• It is expected to carry an air group of up to thirty aircraft.
• In December 2014 it was reported that Vikrant will be commissioned by 2018.