Indian Navy commissions fast attack craft INS Tihayu

India on 19 October 2016 commissioned fast attack craft 'INS Tihayu'. The ship is an improved version of Water Jet Fast Attack Craft (WJFAC), earlier constructed by GRSE. Now, it will be deployed along the eastern coast for patrolling.

The ship was commissioned by Vice Admiral HCS Bisht, AVSM, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Eastern Naval Command. INS Tihayu is manned by a team of four officers and 41 sailors. Commander Ajay Kashov has been appointed the commissioning Commanding Officer.

'INS Tihayu'

• It is the second ship of the four follow-on Water Jet Fast Attack Craft (FO-WJFAC), built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE).

• It is named after Tihayu Island (presently known as Katchal Island) in the Nicobar group of islands.

• The 320-tonne INS Tihayu measures 49 metres in length and can achieve speeds in excess of 35 knots.

• The warship is fitted with advanced MTU engines, water-jet propulsion, and the latest communication equipment.

• It is capable of operating in shallow waters at high speeds and is equipped with enhanced firepower.

• Its armament comprises

a) A 30-mm CRN 91 gun manufactured by Ordnance Factory at Medak in Andhra Pradesh

b) An electronic day-night fire control system, namely Stabilised Optronic Pedestal (SOP) manufactured by Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), controls the gun.

c) Two 12.7-mm heavy machine guns and multiple medium machine guns

d) Shoulder-launched Igla surface-to-air missiles to combat aerial threats

Why it was built?

The production of Car Nicobar-class vessels designed and built by GRSE was fast-tracked after the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. It was built for extended coastal and offshore surveillance and patrol.

Car Nicobar-class vessels are built by GRSE for the Indian Navy and are the first water jet propelled vessels of the Indian Navy. These vessels are designed as a cost-effective platform for patrol, anti-piracy and rescue operations in India's Exclusive Economic Zone. The class and its vessels are named for Indian islands.