India’s indomitable spirit at sea takes center stage as INS Kirch, a potent missile corvette of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet, celebrates 24 glorious years of service. Commissioned on January 22, 2001, this 1,500-ton warship is a proud testament to India's maritime prowess and self-reliance, showcasing the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests and projecting strength across the high seas.
Designed by the Indian Navy and constructed by Mazagon Dock Limited, Mumbai, INS Kirch is the second ship of the Project-25A Missile Corvettes. With speeds exceeding 25 knots and armed with cutting-edge weaponry, including long-range surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range guns, close-range guns, and chaff launchers, INS Kirch is a powerhouse capable of executing diverse roles. Whether engaging in offensive surface warfare, ensuring coastal security, or patrolling in anti-surface and anti-air domains, this formidable warship is always mission-ready.
A Name Steeped in Tradition and Valor
INS Kirch derives its name from the ‘Kirch,’ a rare Indian double-edged sword with a pointed tip, a weapon of choice historically associated with the valiant Marathas. The sword, characterized by its ‘Hindu Basket Hilt,’ symbolizes valor and unmatched courage. The ship’s crest reflects this heritage: the upper half features the Kirch against a bold red background, signifying selfless service and bravery, while the lower half depicts blue and white ocean waves, representing the vastness and sovereignty of the seas.
A Legacy of Unwavering Service
Over its illustrious career, INS Kirch has participated in a wide range of critical operations and multilateral exercises, earning its place as a cornerstone of India’s maritime defense. Notable deployments include:
- Operation Parakram: Strengthening India’s strategic maritime posture.
- Operation Madad: Delivering disaster relief during emergencies.
- Operation Cross Bow: Enhancing coastal security measures.
- SLINEX, JIMEX, Indra, Malabar Exercises: Fostering cooperation with like-minded navies and enhancing operational interoperability.
- Humanitarian Assistance: Assisting during natural disasters and providing search-and-rescue support.
Recently, INS Kirch played a pivotal role in the strategic Malacca Strait, ensuring maritime security in one of the world’s most crucial sea lanes. Demonstrating the Navy’s humanitarian ethos, the ship also came to the aid of the Malaysian-flagged yacht Bit, which was in distress, embodying the Navy’s commitment to protecting lives at sea.
Upholding India’s Naval Vision
As a key pillar of the Indian Navy’s force, INS Kirch exemplifies the motto of being a "Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive, and Future Ready" force. This guiding philosophy underscores the ship’s ability to meet evolving maritime challenges with professionalism, pride, and resilience.
INS Kirch is more than just a warship—it is a symbol of India’s maritime legacy and its relentless pursuit of self-reliance and global maritime leadership. As the nation celebrates 24 years of this vessel’s exceptional service, it honors not only the ship but also the unwavering dedication of the officers and sailors who served aboard it, ensuring India’s sovereignty and security remain unshaken.
From the coastal waters to the vastness of the open seas, INS Kirch continues to sail as a beacon of national pride, safeguarding India’s maritime interests and championing its vision of a secure and prosperous maritime domain.