KNS Celesteria DD9-13

KNS Celesteria is the second ship of the Illustris class destroyer of a modified design. The ship replaces two of the torpedo launchers with two autoloaded 76mm dual purpose guns amidships. This is the first ship to use the 76mm guns. Two more 28mm autocannons were also added overall improving the anti-air capabilities, but sacrifices anti-ship and anti-submarine capabilities as a result. The Khertland navy had always had challenges against air targets and the modification was done in response to provide the navy with more air defense warships in the fleet. This was particularly important as destroyers were meant for escort so should prioritize anti-submarine or anti-air warfare. Larger ships can fulfill the anti-ship role much better thanks to superior protection of said ship types. The Khertland navy approved of this project as part of its 2021 modernization plan but was hampered due to waning budgetary priority. The Celesteria was a cheaper design than a completely new ship as it worked off of an existing class of ship cutting down the engineering work for a new design. It was constructed by the government shipyard at Ma'at naval base and commissioned on January 22 with its homeport planned to be at Jatraw island to the west. On April 17, 2025, the navy conducted its first major reorganization since the modernization program began. Up until this point, the fleet of modern ships were too small and so was concentrated within the Home Fleet as a reaction force to defend the main island. The other fleets were deactivated one by one as old ships were decommissioned. However, with the mass production of the Uriel-class, the navy can finally split its forces into separate groups. This involved two Scouting Groups, two Patrol Groups, and six Garrison Forces. Yet, the main force was still concentrated within the Home Fleet. The Home Fleet consists of the 1st Surface Action Group, The Interdiction Force, 1st Patrol Group, and Garrison Force I. KNS Celesteria and her sister