India secretly launched 1st nuclear missile tracking ship

  • India has commissioned its secretive nuclear missile tracking vessel that had been under construction since 2014.
  • With this, India has Entered a select league of nations with the capability to monitor missile launches at long distances, enhancing the testing programme and adding a crucial part to a national missile defence system. 
  • The specialized Ocean Surveillance Ship, called the VC 11184, was commissioned in October last year in a ceremony that was not made public.
  • The ship will be operated by a joint crew of The National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO), The Defence Research and Development Organisation, The Indian Navy.
  • At present, only the US, France, China and Russia operate similar vessels that are used to track missile launches at sea.

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