In accordance with the traditions, invocations from Atharva Veda were recited and Mrs Medha Murugesan applied ‘Kumkum’ on all three ships and named these ships as ‘INS Tarmugli’, ‘INS Tilanchang’ and ‘INS Tihayu’. She wished the ships good luck and launched the vessels. The names of the ships were based on picturesque places in the Andaman and Nicobar islands in the Bay of Bengal.
VCNS Murugesan, who was the Chief Guest, addressing on the occasion asserted that Indian Navy has been the torch bearer in
the drive for indigenous construction of warships and acknowledged the role of GRSE as a reliable partner in pursuing the national
goal of Make in India. He also extended warm felicitations to the entire team of the GRSE for their significant contribution towards
meeting the Navy’s growing requirement of state-of-the-art warships.
These FO-WJFACs are powered by the latest 4000-series of MTU engines, along with advanced machinery control system
and water jets and can attain a maximum speed of 35 Knots. The craft would also have the latest communication
equipment and radars which would enable effective surveillance. These follow-on ships have higher power generating capacity
of 280 kW, enhanced capacity of RO plant from 2 TPD to 4 TPD among many other features as compared to the Water
Jet Fast Attack Craft already in service. The indigenous CRN 91 Gun with Optronic Pedestal gives them the requisite
firepower to undertake their basic role of patrolling effectively. Two of these ships are scheduled to be delivered to the Indian Navy this year.
Launching of FO-WJFACs Yard 2109, 2110 and 2111 (out of the four contracted), designed in-house, and built by GRSE, Kolkata for the Indian Navy is yet another milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in shipbuilding.
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