Indian Navy to Induct Three Advanced Frontline Platforms

Indian Navy to Induct Three Advanced Frontline Platforms

Sub: Sci

Sec: Defence

Why in News

The Indian Navy is set to commission three advanced frontline platforms on January 15, 2025, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. These platforms include:

• The sixth and final Scorpene-class submarine, Vagsheer.
• The fourth and final Project-15B stealth destroyer, Surat.
• The lead ship of the Project-17A stealth frigates, Nilgiri.

Scorpene-class Submarine: Vagsheer

• Vagsheer is named after the sand fish, a deep-sea predator of the Indian Ocean.
• The first submarine Vagsheer, from Russia, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on December 26, 1974, and was decommissioned on April 30, 1997.
• Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL), Mumbai, under license from the Naval Group of France.
• Vagsheer is a diesel attack submarine, designed to perform sea denial as well as access denial warfare against the adversary.
• It can do offensive operations across the spectrum of naval warfare including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying and area surveillance.
• It is enabled with a C303 anti-torpedo counter measure system.
• It can carry up to 18 torpedoes or Exocet anti-ship missiles, or 30 mines in place of torpedoes.
• Its superior stealth features include advanced acoustic absorption techniques, low radiated noise levels, hydro-dynamically optimised shape.
• It has the ability to launch a crippling attack using precision guided weapons, underwater or on surface.

Project-15B Stealth Destroyer: Surat:

• An improved version of the Kolkata-class (Project-15A) destroyers.
• Enhanced stealth technology for reduced radar signature.
• Equipped with advanced sensors and indigenously developed weapon systems.
• Designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau.
• Displacement: Approximately 7,400 tonnes.
• Capable of speeds over 30 knots.
• Range: Approximately 4,000 nautical miles at 18 knots.
• Propulsion: Powered by four gas turbines in a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) configuration.
• Surface-to-Air Missiles: Equipped with Barak 8 missiles for aerial threats.
• Anti-Ship Missiles: BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.
• Guns: Advanced gun systems for surface engagements.
• Radar Systems: Equipped with state-of-the-art radar and electronic warfare suites for comprehensive surveillance and threat detection.
• Sonar Systems: Advanced sonar systems for sub-surface detection.

Project-17A Stealth Frigate: Nilgiri

• An advancement over the Shivalik-class frigates. State-of-the-art features for radar signature reduction.
• Operates a range of helicopters, including Chetak, Dhruv, Sea King, and MH-60R.
• Incorporates a Rail-Less Helicopter Traversing System and Visual Aid and Landing System for seamless operations.
• Displacement: Approximately 6,670 tonnes.
• Capable of speeds up to 28 knots.
• Range: Approximately 5,500 nautical miles at 16 knots.
• Propulsion: Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) system, featuring two LM2500 gas turbines.
• Surface-to-Air Missiles: Equipped with 32 Barak 8 missiles launched from vertical launch systems.
• Anti-Ship/Land Attack Missiles: 8 BrahMos missiles.
• Close-In Weapon Systems: Two AK-630 systems.
• Primary Radar: EL/M-2248 MF-STAR active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.
• Secondary Radar: Indra LTR-25 ‘Lanza’ surface-search radar.
• Sonar: BEL HUMSA-NG hull-mounted sonar system.