INS Brahmaputra Fire: Severe Damage, No Casualties Reported

INS BRAHMAPUTRA

Source: FE

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Context:

A fire onboard the Navy’s INS Brahmaputra on Sunday evening severely damaged the guided missile frigate, rendering it incapable of being brought back to an upright position. No casualties have been reported in the incident.

Details:

About INS Brahmaputra

It was commissioned in April 2000, is the lead ship of the indigenously built 'Brahmaputra' class-guided missile frigates, replacing the Talwar class and upgrading the Godaviri class. The other ships in this class, INS Betwa and INS Beas, also carry river names. Built by GRSE, this class represents a significant step in India's naval capabilities.

Background of INS Brahmaputra

INS Brahmaputra is a guided-missile frigate of the Indian Navy, commissioned in April 2000.
Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, it is approximately 125 meters in length and weighs around 4,000 tons.
The frigate is part of the Brahmaputra-class of ships, which are critical assets in India’s naval defense strategy.

Features of INS Brahmaputra:

Displacement	5,300 tonnes
Length	125 metres
Beam	14.4 metres
Speed	More than 27 knots
Crew	40 officers, 330 sailors
Armament	Medium-range, close-range, and anti-aircraft guns; surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles; torpedo launchers
Sensors	Wide array covering all facets of maritime warfare
Helicopter Operations	Capable of operating Seaking and Chetak helicopters

Investigation and Speculations: The Indian Navy has launched an exhaustive investigation to determine the cause of the fire and the subsequent capsizing. Among the primary areas of focus are:

Fire Source: Identifying the origin of the fire and understanding why it spread rapidly.
Naval Protocols: Examining if there were lapses in following standard safety protocols during the refit.
Structural Integrity: Evaluating if there were pre-existing structural vulnerabilities that may have contributed to the capsizing.

Context of Recent Naval Accidents: The incident with INS Brahmaputra is not an isolated case but part of a series of recent naval mishaps. These episodes emphasize the need for:

Enhanced Safety Measures: Implementing strong safety protocols, especially during maintenance and refitting operations.
Comprehensive Training: Ensuring all personnel are adequately trained to handle emergencies, including fires and structural instability.
Periodic Audits: Conducting regular safety audits to identify and mitigate potential risks.

Implications for Naval Strategy: The loss of INS Brahmaputra could have significant implications on the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy. This incident might prompt a reevaluation of:

Fleet Modernization: Accelerating efforts to modernize the fleet and replace aging vessels.
Maintenance Protocols: Revisiting and strengthening protocols for maintenance and refitting operations.
Investigation Outcomes: Using the findings from the investigation to prevent future incidents and improve overall safety standards.

Conclusion

The overturning of INS Brahmaputra underscores the urgent need for rigorous safety measures and operational protocols within the Indian Navy.
As investigations continue, it is crucial to derive actionable insights to fortify naval operations and ensure the safety and preparedness of naval personnel.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and risks inherent in maritime defense and the continuous efforts needed to mitigate them

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Source:

https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-mysterious-overturning-of-ins-brahmaputra-an-incident-amidst-a-string-of-naval-accidents-3562939/

PRACTICE QUESTION

Which of the following statements about INS Brahmaputra is/are correct?