Construction begins on new Indian Navy corvette

Cochin Shipyard has begun construction of the second of six Next Generation Missile Vessels for the Indian Navy. The 1,437-tonne corvette is intended primarily for anti-surface warfare and is designed to reach 35 knots using diesel and gas-turbine propulsion driving Kamewa waterjets. Its planned armament includes BrahMos anti-ship missiles, surface-to-air and counter-drone missiles, a 76mm gun, two AK-630M close-in weapon systems and loitering munitions. The six-ship program is valued at about $1 billion.