INS Sunayna has reached Seychelles to take part in the annual training exercise 'Operation Southern Readiness' of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), the defence ministry said here on Monday.

The ship had entered Port Victoria, Seychelles on September 24.

"This not only reinforces Indian Navy's commitment to maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region but also marks the maiden participation of an Indian Navy ship in CMF exercise," the ministry said in a statement.

It will participate in the annual training exercise Operation Southern Readiness of the CMF, the ministry said.

"The ship is scheduled to participate as associate partner in the capacity building exercises being conducted by CMF," it said.

The joint training exercise is being attended by representative delegations from the US, Italy, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and ship participation from the UK, Spain and India, the statement said.

"During her port call, professional interactions with participating nations are planned," the ministry said.

INS Sunayna, the second of the NOPV (Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel) class of ship was commissioned at Kochi on October 15 in 2013 by Vice Admiral Satish Soni, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Southern Naval Command.

Based under Southern Naval Command, the ship was designed and constructed indigenously by Goa Shipyard Limited to meet the increasing ocean surveillance and patrolling requirements of the Indian Navy.

According to the Indian Navy, the warship is designed to undertake fleet support operations, coastal and offshore patrolling, ocean surveillance and monitoring of Sea Lines of Communications and offshore assets, and escort duties.

Two KOEL/Pielstick Diesel engines propel INS Sunayna and enable it to achieve speeds in excess of 25 knots. The ship also has an automatic power management system installed by Larsen and Toubro.

She is fitted with the latest Navigation, Communication and Electronic Support Systems. The armament fit includes one 76 mm Gun with an electro-optic fire control system, Close in Weapon Systems (CIWS) and CHAFF launchers. As per the Indian Navy, INS Sunayna can also carry a helicopter.

Image courtesy: indiannavy.nic.in