INS Mysore (D60)

Context

INS Mysore (D60) arrived at Lumut, Malaysia, to participate in the 4^th edition of Exercise Samudra Laksamana, a bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN).  The deployment is aligned with India’s MAHASAGAR vision and the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation 2026.

About INS Mysore

1. INS Mysore (D60) is a Delhi-class guided-missile destroyer of the Indian Navy.
2. It was built by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL), Mumbai, and commissioned on 2^nd  June 1999.
3. The warship is designed for multi-role operations, including air defence, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare and fleet escort.

Key Features

1. INS Mysore is about 163 metres long and can attain speeds of more than 32 knots.
2. It has a range of roughly 5,000 nautical miles and uses gas-turbine propulsion for high-speed operations.
3. The ship can operate two helicopters, supporting maritime surveillance and anti-submarine missions.
4. Its sensor systems include surveillance radars, fire-control systems and hull-mounted sonar.
5. Its weapon systems include anti-ship missiles, surface-to-air missiles, naval guns, close-in weapon systems, anti-submarine rocket launchers and torpedoes.

Exercise Samudra Laksamana

1. The 2026 edition is the fourth iteration and features INS Mysore along with RMN ships KD Lekir and KD Gagah Samudera.
2. The exercise provides opportunities for cross-deck activities, operational interaction and exchange of professional experience between naval personnel.

Strategic Significance

1. India–Malaysia defence ties: The exercise strengthens the maritime component of bilateral defence relations.
2. ASEAN engagement: Naval cooperation with Malaysia supports India’s wider engagement with Southeast Asia and ASEAN.
3. Indo-Pacific presence: Deployment of Indian naval assets reinforces India’s sustained engagement with regional maritime partners.
4. Operational preparedness: Interaction with another navy helps improve coordination and familiarity with procedures during joint maritime operations.
5. Regional security: Regular naval engagement contributes to a stable, secure and cooperative maritime environment.

Conclusion

The deployment of INS Mysore to Lumut reflects India’s sustained maritime engagement with Southeast Asia. Its participation in Samudra Laksamana strengthens practical defence cooperation with Malaysia and complements India’s broader maritime outreach in the Indo-Pacific.

FAQs

1. What is the pennant number of INS Mysore?

The pennant number of INS Mysore is D60. It belongs to the Delhi class of guided-missile destroyers.

2. Which shipbuilding organisation constructed INS Mysore?

The destroyer was constructed by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) in Mumbai.

3. What type of naval vessel is INS Mysore?

It is a guided-missile destroyer, a surface combatant designed to perform multiple warfare and fleet-support roles.

4. What is meant by anti-submarine warfare?

Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) involves detecting, tracking and engaging enemy submarines using systems such as sonar, helicopters and torpedoes.

5. Why are helicopters important on a destroyer?

Ship-borne helicopters extend a warship’s surveillance and anti-submarine reach beyond the limits of its onboard sensors.

6. What does MAHASAGAR represent in India’s maritime policy?

MAHASAGAR reflects India’s vision of strengthening maritime cooperation with countries of the Indian Ocean Region and the wider Global South, with emphasis on shared security, growth and development.

7. Which countries participate in Exercise Samudra Laksamana?

The exercise is conducted between the Indian Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy, making it a bilateral maritime engagement.