The Indian Navy has launched indigenously designed guided missile stealth destroyer INS Kochi, which will help to enhance the navy’s maritime capabilities and security.

The 163m-long destroyer is equipped with the state-of-the-art weapon systems that include the supersonic BrahMos surface-to-surface missile, the LRSAM long-range surface-to-air missiles and the MFStar multifunction radar system.

The ship will also be equipped with four AK-630 rapid-fire guns and a medium-range gun that will enhance the ship’s close-range defence capability.

The 6,500t INS Kochi can move at a maximum speed of 30kt and is the second of three project 15-A Kolkata Class stealth destroyers being built by Mumbai shipyard Mazagon Docks and indigenously designed by the Directorate of Naval Design.