Kolkata : Eastern Fleet warships INS Khanjar and INS Kora, both frontline Guided Missile Corvettes of the Eastern Naval Command, are scheduled to arrive in Kolkata on 27 November 2025 as part of Navy Week and Navy Day 2025 celebrations. The deployment is part of the Indian Navy’s ongoing Mission-Based Deployments in the Bay of Bengal and is aligned with its public outreach initiatives.
INS Khanjar, the fourth ship of the P-25 class corvettes, was indigenously built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) and commissioned on 22 October 1991. Often referred to as the ‘Grey Ferrari’, the ship upholds the motto “Better Than the Best.” It is affiliated with the Kumaon and Naga regiments of the Indian Army, and is currently commanded by Commander Ronie Chowpoo.
INS Kora, the lead ship of the P-25A class corvettes, was also built by GRSE and commissioned on 10 August 1998. Named after the traditional and formidable Nepali sword ‘Kora,’ symbolising Gurkha valour, the ship is presently under the command of Commander Chandan Jha.
Both vessels operate under the operational control of the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF). They represent the Indian Navy’s offensive maritime capabilities and are equipped for surface-to-surface and surface-to-air warfare. Their primary role is delivering first-strike offensive power, while their secondary peacetime roles include securing India’s Exclusive Economic Zone, safeguarding ports and coastal assets, as well as conducting counter-terrorism, counter-piracy patrols and maritime diplomacy missions.
The ships boast advanced combat systems including surface-to-surface missiles, anti-aircraft guns, state-of-the-art surveillance and electronic warfare suites, navigation systems, and fire control radars. Both platforms have undergone multiple modernisation cycles ensuring enhanced operational readiness and capabilities in line with the Navy’s commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat and indigenous warship development.
As part of Navy Week 2025, the warships will remain in Kolkata from 27 to 30 November 2025, and will be open for public visits at Khidderpore Dock Berth No. 11 (Gate No. 3) during the following hours:
- 28 November: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
- 29 November: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- 30 November: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Visitors are required to carry a valid Indian government photo ID for mandatory security verification before entry.
