Shardul-class tank landing ship explained
Shardul-class landing ships are large amphibious warfare vessels built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers for the Indian Navy. They are an evolution of the amphibious landing ships. Initially, the ship was classified as Landing Ship Tank (Large) or LST(L). The class has an indigenous content of over 90%.
History
The order for the vessels were placed in December 2001 while the contract was signed in early 2002.
The ship is equipped with WM-18 140 mm rocket launchers, developed by DRDO and manufactured by Larsen & Toubro. Two units of the system is integrated with one each on port and starboard. The rocket launcher has 18 tubes in a configuration of 6×3. These are used for beach clearing operations before initiating amphibious operations. The armament also includes four CRN-91 autocannons for self-defence.[1] [2] [3]
Shardul was the first vessel commissioned at Karwar Naval Base, INS Kadamba. The second ship Kesari was commissioned at the Visakhapatnam Naval Base,[4] and later moved to Port Blair.[5] The third ship Airavata underwent sea trials in 2008 and was commissioned in 2009.[6] [7] [8]
Ships
| Name | Pennant Number | Laid down[9] | Launched | Commissioned | Homeport | Status |
|---|
|
|---|
| L16 | 16 December 2002 | 3 April 2004 | 4 January 2007 | Karwar | Active |
| L15 | | 8 June 2005 | 5 April 2008 | Port Blair |
| L24 | | 27 March 2006 | 19 May 2009 | Visakhapatnam | |
See also
External links
Notes and References
- 1292731705762045952 . DefenceDecode . DRDO-L&T Rocket Launcher WM-18: Rocket Launcher WM-18 is used for beach clearing operations by the LST class of ships, before executing amphibious operations. The weapon system comprises 2 launcher mounts, one each for port and starboard... . 2020-08-10 . 2024-09-22.
- 1273095546761293824 . strategicfront . Vietnamese amphibious ships with L&T WM-18 Rocket Launchers . The WM-18 is used for beach clearing operations by the Shardul-class LST of the IN, before executing amphibious operations... . 2020-06-17 . 2024-09-22.
- 1397092607977795584 . strategicfront . L&T's missile systems production plant. L&T works as both the systems integrator & the supplier for many munitions... . 2021-05-25 . 2024-09-22.
- Web site: INS Kesari Commissioned . https://web.archive.org/web/20080621070053/http://indiannavy.nic.in/pres08b.htm . 21 June 2008 . 5 April 2008 . Indian Navy . 6 July 2019 .
- News: Another naval ship heads for Seychelles . The Hindu . 8 May 2009 . 21 February 2015.
- News: INS Airavata for basin trials in May . https://web.archive.org/web/20120429042532/http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/08/stories/2008040859740800.htm . dead . 29 April 2012 . Balajj . J. . 8 April 2008 . . 21 February 2015.
- Web site: Image of INS Airavat . Press Information Bureau . Government of India . 19 May 2009 . 21 February 2015.
- Web site: Image during Commissioning ceremony . Press Information Bureau . Government of India . 19 May 2009 . 21 February 2015.
- Web site: Shardul Class . 2024-09-22 . en-US.
