Two Warriors of the Bay of Bengal: The Story of INS Kora and INS Khanjar

The strength of the Indian Navy in the Bay of Bengal is recognized by two special warriors, INS Kora and INS Khanjar. One is an indigenous master of missile warfare, the other is a reliable sentinel of coastal security. Together, both protect India’s maritime borders like a strong shield. Both are anchored at the port in Kolkata on Thursday.

INS Kora (P61) is a pillar of the Indian Navy’s indigenous corvette program which has taken India’s maritime power to a new level in the Indian Ocean region since its induction into the fleet in 1998. The main objective of this ship built at GRSE Kolkata is to ensure surface warfare and coastal border security. Its agile design, high speed and ability to react quickly to threats make it special. It not only plays an important role in protecting India’s maritime borders but is also active in joint exercises with neighboring countries. Due to this it has become an essential part of regional stability.

The real strength of INS Kora lies in its missile capability. It is equipped with four quad launchers capable of firing the deadly Kh-35 (SS-N-25 Switchblade) anti-ship missile. This missile gives it the identity of ‘Killer Corvette’. Along with this, the 76mm AK-176 main gun and two 30mm AK-630 CIWS provide it protection from close missile attacks and air threats. Its radar, electronic warfare suite and sensors meet modern standards, which keep it ready for any maritime conflict day and night. This weapon configuration makes it the most balanced and powerful in the Corvette class.

After commissioning, INS Kora has proved its efficiency in many major operations. It is frequently active under the Eastern Naval Command and its participation in international exercises like SIMBEX and mega theater exercises like TROPEX strengthens the strategic capabilities of the Navy. This ship is not limited to surface warfare only; It is equally effective in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. INS Kora’s contribution in ensuring the security of the Indo-Pacific sea lanes is an indication of India’s credibility among countries that depend on regional peace and secure maritime trade.

INS Kora is considered a symbol of the Indian Navy’s self-reliance efforts. Its low radar cross-section design and robust propulsion system make it fully prepared for modern maritime warfare. This class laid the foundation for India to build a new generation of corvettes, which are being used today in various roles to protect Indian waters. With continuous upgrades over the last 25 years, the ship has maintained its operational performance, enabling it to serve as the Indian Navy’s trusted ‘first responder’.

INS Khanjar (P47), commissioned in 1991, is one of the important corvettes developed under the Khukri class. It was built by Mazagon Dock and was designed to enhance the coastal warfare skills of the Indian Navy during that period. INS Khanjar has been a strong part of the Eastern Naval Command for more than three decades due to its balanced design and reliable operational capability. Its continued presence in the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea ensures the security of India’s maritime domain. It plays an important role in combat patrol and surveillance operations. Due to this, its operational value has remained constant.

INS Khanjar was originally armed with a set of 76mm OTO Melara main guns and anti-ship missiles. This made it capable of engaging targets on the surface. The credibility of the Khukri class lies in its design philosophy – small size, high speed and balanced firepower. During her service life, Khanjar not only performed combat roles but also excelled in search and rescue (SAR) operations and coastal surveillance. Its sensors and communication systems enable it to establish efficient coordination with other ships. This also makes it a major contribution to joint exercises and high-tempo operations.

The deployment of INS Khanjar has often been associated with India’s ‘Look East’ and ‘Act East’ policy. The ship visits ports of several friendly nations to strengthen maritime cooperation with South-East Asian countries. Additionally, it has also been active in anti-piracy missions, prevention of illegal fishing and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations. Considering the sensitivity of the East Coast, the presence of INS Khanjar is important for both security and diplomatic strength. Its continued operational commitment establishes India’s maritime credibility.