New Delhi, Jan 22 : The Indian Navy will showcase the INS Jalashwa, biggest amphibious ship of the country, during the Republic Day Parade 2009.

INS Jalashwa joined the Eastern Fleet (under the Eastern Naval Command) of the Indian Navy upon its arrival at Visakhapatnam naval base on September 12, 2007.

The Indian Navy felt the need for increased amphibious landing capability in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.

"The primary role of the ship is to support amphibious operations by transporting, deploying and recovering troops and equipments by using Mechanised Land Craft
(LCM) and aircraft," said Commodore A Ghosal.

He further said that INS Jalashwa can land an infantry battalion and its equipments, a squadron of tanks or armoured personnel carriers, or a complete unit of engineersalon their heavy equipments.

In peace time, the ship in the event of natural calamities can also be utilized for providing all humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. It can also be utilized as a hospital ship and for non-combatant evacuation operations.

INS Jalashwa has large well deck, which can accommodate four Mechanised Land Craft (LCM). The flight deck is capable of handling all types of rotary wing aircrafts,

The Republic Day tableau depicts the ship carrying out stand off beaching with two LCMs - one offloading an armoured personnel carrier and other carrying a truck. A Seaking helicopter is also shown airlifting the Army''s field gun.

Lieutenanat Commander Anshul Awasthi will command the Navy''s contingent. The contingent consists of 144 men drawn from three commands of the Navy and are led by Sub Lieutenanat Shweta Kapur.

"Its pride and honour to lead the Navy contingent during the Republic Day Prade which cannot be matched with any achievement," said Sub Lieutenanat Shweta Kapur.
(ANI)