JUBAIL — Bearing testimony to the growing defense ties between India and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, INS Kochi, the flagship destroyer of Indian Western Naval Fleet, arrived at Port Al-Jubail on Monday. The arrival of the ship heralds a new chapter in the bilateral defense ties with the commencement of the harbor phase of first Naval Exercise between the two countries — ‘Al-Mohed Al-Hindi 2021’. INS Kochi, an indigenously designed and built Kolkata class stealth guided missile destroyer by Mazagaon Dock Limited, Mumbai, was commissioned on Sept. 30 2015 and is one of the most potent warships in its class. The ship incorporates new design concepts for stealth and has many firsts to her credit, including a large component of indigenous combat suites. The ship can be truly classified as a ‘Network of Networks’ as it is equipped with sophisticated digital networks, besides a sophisticated array of state of art weapons and sensors to neutralize any threat from the air, sea and underwater. The unique feature of the ship is the high level of indigenization achieved with most of the systems onboard sourced from within the country. Some of the other major indigenized systems onboard INS Kochi include the Electronic Warfare Suite, Foldable Hangar Doors, Helo Traversing System and the Ship’s Stabilizers. INS Kochi derives her name from the vibrant Indian port city of Kochi in South India. This is a tribute to the city’s distinct maritime character and symbolizes the special bond between the Indian Navy and the city of Kochi. The ship’s crest depicts a sword and a shield together with a Snake Boat riding on the blue and white ocean waves, which symbolize the Malabar region’s rich maritime heritage and martial traditions. The ship in the past has taken part in joint exercises with various friendly foreign Navies. ‘Al-Mohed Al-Hindi 2021’ which commenced on Monday (Aug. 9, 2021) comprises a number of shore and sea-based exercises between the two friendly Navies. On its arrival at the Jubail port, the ship was given a warm welcome by officials of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, Border Guards and Indian Embassy.The ship during its stay at the port will be following all laid down COVID protocols. — SG