The ship, propelled by three powerful water jets, can achieve speeds in excess of 35 knots.
INS Kalpeni will operate under the flag officer commanding in chief, southern naval command, and would be based at Kochi, a naval press release said.
The ship would bolster the capabilities of the southern naval command in coastal surveillance and search and destruction of fast moving targets. The ship, commanded by Lieutenant Commander Subhal Nathan, has a crew of three officers and 38 sailors.
The solemn commissioning ceremony commenced with the inspection of a guard of honour by the chief justice. The commanding officer of INS Kalpeni then introduced the ship's crew to the chief guest.
The commissioning warrant signed by the chief of naval staff was then read out by the commanding officer.
The naval ensign and the national flag was hoisted onboard the ship for the first time along with the traditional breaking of the commissioning pennant. This ceremony was carried out with the parading of the colour guard and to the accompaniment of the national anthem. Later, the chief justice unveiled the ship's plaque.
Justice Chelameswar said even peace-loving nations have to negotiate terms of peace from a position of strength. Rear Admiral KC Shekar, chairman and managing director, Garden Reach Shipyard, said the ship with nearly 95 per cent indigenous content was completed in 24 months.
Vice Admiral KN Sushil, flag officer commanding in chief, southern naval command, dwelt upon clear and present challenges to the security environment in the area and expressed optimism that the ship would rise up to meet the challenges.
INS Kalpeni, an improved version of the Bangaram class fast attack craft, is conceived, designed and built indigenously.
It is the seventh of a batch of 10 ships being built at Garden Reach Shipyard, Kolkota. The main armament of the ship is its 30mm CRN 91 gun with optronic pedestal sight. In addition the ship has been fitted with 11 machine guns of various types and shoulder-launched IGLA surface to air missiles to neutralise aerial threats.
