INS Shardul, an amphibious vessel in the Indian Navy, was affiliated with the 5th Armoured Regiment of the Indian Army in a glittering ceremony on 03 October 2008 at the Mumbai Naval Harbour. The 5th Armoured Regiment operates the T-90S Main Battle Tank, which is the most advanced tank in the Indian Army. Rear Admiral Anil Chopra, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet and Major General G.S. Malhi, Colonel of the 5th Armoured Regiment signed the Charter of Affiliation along with Commander Shailendra Singh, Commanding Officer of INS Shardul and Colonel R.K. Magotra, Commandant of the 5th Armoured Regiment. The armed forces have a tradition of affiliating their units for better camaraderie and esprit de corps. The modern trend of all the three services fighting wars jointly, has also added an operational aspect to the tradition.INS Shardul has the Royal Bengal tiger as its crest. Built by GRSE in Kolkata, she boasts of state-of-the-art equipment. It is an important amphibious warship capable of transporting various kinds of combat equipment & personnel and can accomplish all landing objectives, including beaching operations. The 5th Armoured Regiment proudly wears the mantle of having one of the most potent tanks in it's fold. Welcoming the gathering of retired and serving officers of the Indian Army and Indian Navy, Rear Admiral Anil Chopra said the affiliation of the 5th Armoured Regiment and INS Shardul would further promote the understanding of mutual operational requirements of the two services, which is crucial for modern complex warfare operations.Images © Kapil Chandni