Why is it in the news?
- INS Cheetah, Guldar, and Kumbhir were decommissioned after 40 years of service.
More about the news
- These stalwart ships were part of the Polnocny class Landing Ships, built at Gdynia Shipyard, Poland.
- They joined the Indian Navy in 1984 (Cheetah), 1985 (Guldar), and 1986 (Kumbhir).
- Initially stationed in mainland India, they later established a permanent base in the Andaman and Nicobar Command.
- These ships collectively covered a remarkable 17 lakh nautical miles during their service, spending over 12,300 days at sea.
- Served as the backbone of amphibious operations, conducting over 1300 beaching operations to land troops and secure islands.
- Played a crucial role in maritime security missions and humanitarian assistance efforts.
- Participated in Operation Aman during IPKF operations in Sri Lanka and Operation Tasha, a joint venture with the Indian Coast Guard to combat smuggling and illegal immigration.
- Provided critical relief after the 1997 cyclone in Sri Lanka and the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.
| Amphibious operations
· Amphibious operations involve attacks launched from the sea by naval and landing forces against hostile shores. · Primary approach is the amphibious assault, initiating land-based combat operations, seizing strategic bases, or denying the enemy use of specific areas. |
