Kumbhir-class

The Kumbhir class consisted of eight medium amphibious warfare vessels operated by the Indian Navy. These tank landing ships succeeded the Gharial (Polnocny-A) class and were followed in service by the Magar class.

Designed for amphibious operations, the vessels were capable of beaching to deliver personnel and equipment. For surveillance and navigation, the class utilized the SRN 7453 radar. Defensive systems included 30 mm guns and MANPADS. Each ship was equipped to carry a single HAL Chetak helicopter.

The class entered service in December 1974 with the commissioning of Ghorpad. Eight ships were completed between 1974 and 1986: Ghorpad, Kesari, Shardul, Sharabh, Cheetah, Mahish, Guldar, and Kumbhir. These vessels were stationed at homeports in Visakhapatnam and Port Blair.

Decommissioning of the class began in 1997 with Shardul and continued over the following decades. Kesari was retired in 1999, followed by Ghorpad in 2008, Sharabh in 2011, and Mahish in 2016. The final three vessels of the class—Cheetah, Guldar, and Kumbhir—were decommissioned on 12 January 2024, after approximately 40 years of service. All eight vessels of the class have been retired.