Delhi-class destroyer here

Indian Navy’s frontline Warship INS Mumbai, arrived here today (26) on a three-day visit.

This is INS Mumbai’s first visit to any port in Sri Lanka and will be the eighth port call by Indian Ships this year. INS Kabra, Karanj, Kamorta and Shalki visited this year in addition to Indian Coast Guard ships Samarth, Abhinav and Sachet, the Indian HC said.

It has been customary for Indian Naval Ships to make Port calls at Sri Lankan ports, when transiting between Arabian sea and the Bay of Bengal. The visit is categorized as an Operational Turn Around (OTR), wherein the ship will also replenish fuel and provisions.

 INS Mumbai will be bringing essential spares for the Dornier maritime patrol aircraft operated by Sri Lanka Airforce. The Dornier aircraft provides a unique and critical capability of surveillance over the Sea Area of Responsibility (AOR) of Sri Lanka since induction two years ago. This has also greatly enhanced the Search and Rescue capability in Sri Lanka’s vast EEZ.  In addition to training the SLAF Pilots, Flight Navigators, the Indian Navy is supporting the maintenance of this aircraft with a Technical team and spares. The Indian Ship visited earlier this year, also brought in material assistance. INS Kabra and later ICGS Sachet had brought spares parts for Sri Lanka Coast Guard ship Suraksha.