India launches its first satellite and nuclear missile tracking ship INS Dhruv (Indian Navy Ship). It is the first Ocean surveillance ship (OSS) capable of tracking ballistic missiles over long distances.
*National Security Advisor Ajit Doval inaugurated the commission in the presence of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Karambir Singh from Visakhapatnam.
*It will be under the control of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) and will enhance India’s presence in the Indo-Pacific region. The Gulf of Aden to the South China Sea via the Straits of Malacca, Sunda, Lombok, Ombai, and Wetter.
INS Dhruv Development:
- It was built in collaboration with Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization), and NTRO (National Technology Research Organization).
- It was designed by New Delhi-based Vik Sandvick Design India Pvt. Ltd. (VSDI).
- Its cost is around Rs 750 crore
- Its code designation is VC-11184.