INS Kulish
Why in News?
- The Indian Navy's guided-missile corvette INS Kulish is in the news because it arrived at Cambodia's Ream Naval Base on September 12, 2026.
- This historic port call marks the first-ever visit by an Indian Navy warship to this specific Cambodian naval facility, signalling a massive step forward in Southeast Asian maritime diplomacy.
Key Information & Specifications of INS Kulish
- Ship Class: It is a Kora-class guided-missile corvette.
- Name Origin: The name Kulish translates to Indra's thunderbolt weapon (Vajra) in Indian mythology.
- Primary Role: It is designed primarily as a surface combatant, heavily optimized for anti-surface warfare.
- Weaponry & Armament:
- Anti-Ship Missiles: Equipped with four quad launchers carrying 16 Kh-35 Uran-E anti-ship missiles (range of 130 km).
- Anti-Air Defence: Armed with two mobile shoulder-based Strela-2 Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) systems.
- Guns: Features an Otobreda 76 mm main gun and two AK-630 30 mm Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) for air defence.
- Aviation: The ship can carry and operate one HAL Chetak or HAL Dhruv helicopter.
- Past Deployments: It frequently takes part in international operations, such as the 31st edition of India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT).
- Bilateral Ties: The main objective is to boost maritime cooperation, exchange operational knowledge, and build stronger professional ties between the Indian Navy and the Royal Cambodian Navy.
- Key Strategic Frameworks: The visit aligns with major regional frameworks, including:
- ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation 2026
- India's Act East Policy
- The MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.
- On-Ground Activities: During the docking period, crew members are participating in professional interactions, sports fixtures, and structured naval engagements.
