Kolkata: The Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) today (Dec 11, 2004) launched 'Bangaram', its fast attack craft for the Indian Navy, equipped with the latest navigation, communication and global positioning system equipment.

The 46m long craft, launched by Prita Choudhry, wife of Vice chief of Army staff Lt Gen Shantonu Choudhry, has been named after one of the islands of Andaman and Nicobar and will operate under the Integrated Defence Command of the islands.

Speaking at the launching ceremony Lt Gen Choudhury said there was need for greater indigenisation of the equipment used by the armed forces.

The 260 tonne improved 'Trinkat' class ship built at a cost of Rs 48 crore has an endurance of 2000 nautical miles and offers a cost effective platform for patrol and rescue operations and sea.

The armament on board constitute a 30mm gun and small arm to be supplied by the Navy, CMD of GRSE admiral Rajeev Paralikar said.