INS Chennai: an Indian destroyer's French visit celebrates Franco-Indian ties.

According to a tweet published by the French MoD on July 12, 2023, the Indian Kolkata class destroyer INS Chennai docks in Brest for the national holiday, featuring in the military parade. This honors India, as the guest nation on July 14th, celebrating a 25-year strategic partnership.
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Indian Navy's Kolkata class destroyer INS Chennai. (Picture source: French MoD)

The Tri services contingent, including the Indian Navy Marching Contingent, has arrived in France to participate in the Bastille Day Parade in Paris on July 14, 2023.

The Navy team consists of four officers and 64 sailors, led by Commander Vrat Baghel, a specialist in Gunnery and Missile Warfare. Commander Baghel has previously served on the French Ship BCR Var during exercise Varuna.

In addition to the marching contingent, the Indian Navy will be represented by INS Chennai, a domestically built frontline destroyer, which will be deployed to France from July 12 to 16, 2023. The ship's crew will participate in the Bastille Day celebrations at Brest, France.

The Indian Navy is one of the largest navies in the world, equipped with a formidable fleet of ships, submarines, and aircraft. Its motto, "Sam No Varunah" (May the lord of oceans be auspicious unto us) is derived from the Rig Veda, dating back to 1500 BC. The Navy prides itself on being a combat-ready, credible, cohesive, and future-proof force, manned by highly skilled and professional personnel.

India's shipbuilding capabilities have played a crucial role in the modernization of the Indian Navy. Today, Indian shipyards construct various types of vessels, and it is a matter of great pride that India belongs to a select group of countries capable of building and operating its own aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, and nuclear submarines. INS Chennai represents the cutting edge of indigenous technology.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Indo-French Strategic partnership. The two countries share deep ties in the maritime domain, extending to their navies.

The indigenous construction of the Project 75 Scorpene class submarines by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in collaboration with Naval Group, France, has not only enhanced naval capabilities but has also paved the way for future collaborations.

The bilateral exercise, Varuna, between the Indian and French navies has evolved into a comprehensive exercise involving all aspects of naval power. It reflects the growth of the strategic bilateral relationship between India and France. The exercise, initiated in 1993 and named Varuna in 2001, recently concluded its 21st edition in January 2023 in the Arabian Sea.

About the destroyer

INS Chennai is a warship with a displacement of 7,500 tons (7,400 long tons; 8,300 short tons) at full load. It measures 163 meters (535 feet) in length and has a beam of 17.4 meters (57 feet). The ship is capable of reaching speeds in excess of 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph).

INS Chennai is equipped with advanced sensor and processing systems, including the IAI EL/M-2248 MF-STAR S-band AESA multi-function radar, Thales LW-08 D-band air search radar, Garpun Bal (3TS-25E) radar, BEL HUMSA-NG bow sonar, and BEL EMCCA Mk4 combat management system.

The warship also features electronic warfare and decoy systems such as the BEL Ellora electronic support measures, NSTL Maareech ATDS, and the Kavach chaff decoy system.