INS Ranjit (D53)

INS Ranjit (D53) was a Rajput-class destroyer of the Indian Navy. Commissioned on November 24, 1983, she served for over three decades before being decommissioned on May 6, 2019, at Visakhapatnam Naval Dockyard. The "Ranjit" was named after a Rajput warrior clan known for their bravery.

As a Rajput-class destroyer, INS Ranjit was designed primarily for anti-surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare roles. She participated in numerous naval exercises and operations, both nationally and internationally, contributing to maritime security and projecting India's naval power. Key operational deployments included participation in Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka and patrolling duties during periods of heightened tension in the region.

During her service, INS Ranjit underwent several upgrades to modernize her weapon systems and sensors, enhancing her operational capabilities. However, despite these upgrades, she was eventually retired as part of a phased modernization program of the Indian Navy. Following her decommissioning, some of her components were preserved for display at naval museums, serving as a reminder of her contribution to the nation's maritime security.