British warship HMS Dragon arrives in Goa for naval exercise

Warship HMS Dragon, attached to the Royal Navy of Britain, Wednesday entered Mormugao Port in Goa to take part in a bilateral exercise with the Indian Navy, a senior official said.

Commander Micheal Carter Quinn, Commanding Officer of HMS Dragon, called on Rear Admiral Philipose Pynumootil, Flag Officer Commanding, Goa Naval Area, on arrival at Mormugao Port, the Indian Navy has said in a press release here.

HMS Dragon and INS Kolkata of the Indian Navy will participate in 'Konkan-18', a bilateral exercise between the navies of the two countries, it said.

An Indian Navy spokesman said the harbour phase of the exercise is scheduled tillDecember 2.

This would include a pre-sail conference and subject matter expert exchange as a prelude to the forthcoming sea phase, he said.

"In addition to sports fixtures, receptions would also be held onboard the two ships," he said.

HMS Dragon is a Type 45 class destroyercommissioned in 2012. She has a length of 154.2 metre and a displacement of 8000 tons.

"The ship has a unique Electric Propulsion System and is capable of doing speeds over 30 knots. The ship is fitted with Harpoon surface to surface missile, Aster surface to air missiles and a 4.5 inch calibre gun.

"A crew of 41 officers and 214 sailors are borne onboard," the spokesman said.