Indian Navy Launches Three Follow-On Water Jet Fast Attack Craft

Indian Navy today launched three Follow-On Water Jet Fast Attack Craft (FO-WJFAC) at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE), Kolkata.

The three vessels were named as 'INS Tarmugli', 'INS Tilanchang' & 'INS Tihayu' based on places in the Andaman and Nicobar islands in the Bay of Bengal. 

Vice Admiral P Murugesan, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff 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'.

These follow on Water Jet Fast Attack Craft 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 in 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