An animated rendering of the Nilgiri-class frigate. | |
Class overview | |
---|---|
Name | Nilgiri class |
Builders | |
Operators | Indian Navy |
Preceded by | Shivalik class |
Cost | |
Planned | 7 |
Building | 7 |
General characteristics | |
Type | Guided-missile frigate |
Displacement | 6,670 t (6,560 long tons) |
Length | 149 m (488 ft 10 in) |
Beam | 17.8 m (58 ft 5 in) |
Draft | 5.22 m (17 ft 2 in) |
Depth | 9.9 m (32 ft 6 in) |
Installed power |
|
Propulsion | CODAG [3] |
Speed | 32 kn (59 km/h) |
Range |
|
Boats & landing craft carried | 2 x RHIB |
Complement | 226 (Including 35 officers) |
Sensors and processing systems |
|
Electronic warfare & decoys |
|
Armament |
|
Aircraft carried | 2 × HAL Dhruv (or) Sea King Mk. 42B helicopters |
Aviation facilities | Enclosed helicopter hangar capable of accommodating two multi-role helicopters. |
Notes | First major class of Indian-designed warships to be built using integrated modular construction. [4] |
The Nilgiri-class frigates, formally classified as the Project-17 Alpha frigates (P-17A), are a series of stealth guided-missile frigates currently being built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), for the Indian Navy. [5] [6] The seventh and final ship of the Project 17A frigates, named Mahendragiri, was launched on 1 September 2023 at the Mazagon Dock by Dr Sudesh Dhankhar, wife of Indian vice-president Jagdeep Dhankhar. [7] [8] It is expected to be commissioned in 2024. [9]
The frigates were designed by the Warship Design Bureau (formerly Directorate of Naval Design) – an internal establishment within the Indian Navy responsible for designing warships; the organisation is also distinguished for having contributed to the designing of numerous Indian warships, including INS Vikrant – India's first indigenously-designed aircraft carrier, the Arihant-class submarines – India's first indigenously-designed nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines and the Shivalik-class frigates – India's first indigenously designed frigates equipped with stealth technology. [10]
The class' design was finalised by the DND in 2013; it was later unveiled to the public in April 2018 – when MDL displayed a scale model of the frigate at the "DefExpo 2018" defense exhibition, held at Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. [11]
The frigate's design incorporates a significant degree of stealth and low radar-observability – through the utility of composite materials, radar-absorbent coatings and low-observable/radar-transparent technologies; the usage of the aforementioned materials assists the vessel in maintaining a low radar cross-section (RCS). [12]
The vessel's physical profile also features a substantial level of stealth through the application of different physical forms – including an enclosed mooring deck, flush deck-mounted weapon systems and a reduced number of antennae. [13]
The frigate's infrared signature, most specifically emissions from its propulsion exhaust and power generation machinery, are reduced through the application of Venturi effect and fluid injection, which helps to reduce the plume and hot metal temperatures of exhaust. [14] To maintain acoustic silence, the frigate is equipped with propellers designed to have onset of cavitation at higher speeds to reduce hydrodynamic noise. [14] In addition to the propellers, the vessel's hull also features special acoustic enclosures for some of the machinery to reduce the emission air-borne noise. [14]
The P-17A frigates are the first major class of Indian-designed warships to be built using the methodology of integrated modular construction – a manufacturing process in which multiple modules (or "blocks") of a vessel's hull are pre-assembled/pre-outfitted independently, before being aggregated for final assembly. [15]
In December 2015, MDL contracted Fincantieri S.p.A. to provide technical assistance and essential expertise in the construction of the seven frigates using the "modular construction" methodology. [16] [17]
The P-17A frigates were named after the former-Nilgiri-class frigates, which served in the IN between 1972 and 2013; the first six ships of the series were allotted the names utilised by the older class, namely – Nilgiri, Himgiri, Taragiri , Udaygiri, Dunagiri, and Vindhyagiri . [18] The seventh and final vessel of the P-17A series, which did not have a namesake from the older class, was given the new name of Mahendragiri. [19]
As part of its anti-surface warfare (ASuW) capabilities, the class features eight BrahMos anti-ship cruise missiles, capable of speeds of up to Mach 3. [20] The BrahMos is widely regarded as one of the most formidable anti-ship missiles currently in service, given the missile's extreme versatility and manoeuvrability. [21]
The vessels are equipped with one OTO Melara 76 mm naval gun. Originally, the In had planned to install the Mk 45 127 mm (5 in) naval gun, manufactured by BAE; however, this plan was later scrapped in 2021 on account of financial constraints. [22]
As part of its anti-air warfare (AAW) capabilities, the class features thirty-two Barak 8ER surface-to-air missiles, with sixteen missiles present in four "2 x 4" VLS configurations – with two placed at the bow and two placed aft. [23]
The Barak 8ER, also classified as the LR-SAM, is an "extended-range" variant of the original Barak 8 – designed to neutralize various aerial threats, including fighter aircraft, helicopters, anti-ship missiles, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV); the new variant is expected to feature a range of about 150 km (93 mi). [24]
As part of its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, the class features two triple-tube lightweight torpedo launchers for firing ASW torpedoes. The class also features two RBU-6000 (RPK-8) anti-submarine rocket launchers, capable of firing ASW projectiles to depths of up to 1,000 m (3,280 ft 10 in). [25]
During the class' unveiling in 2018, the frigate's design was noted to possess two anti-torpedo decoy systems and four decoy launchers – which presumably may be the NSTL Maareech torpedo-countermeasure system and the Kavach anti-missile decoy launchers, respectively. [26]
As part of its aviation facilities, the class is equipped with a flight-deck and an enclosed aviation hangar, capable of accommodating a single naval helicopter – most likely the ALH Dhruv MK-III maritime-reconnaissance helicopters, or the Westland Sea King Mk. 42B ASW/ASuW helicopters – both of which are operated by the Indian Naval Air Arm. [27]
The class features the EL/M-2248 MF-STAR active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar as its primary radar suite. [28] The EL/M-2248 is a multi-function, phased-array radar system featuring an azimuth of 360o, with the capability to track both aerial and surface targets, at a range of over 450 km (280 mi). [29]
The class also features the Indra LTR-25 'Lanza' surface-search radar, as its secondary radar suite. [30] The LTR-25 is a solid-state, three-dimensional (3D), long-range radar capable of operating in a dense electronic environment and features a range of over 250 nmi (460 km; 290 mi), with the capability to track various aerial targets – including fighter aircraft and ballistic missiles. [31]
The frigates are also equipped with an advanced combat management system, classified as "CMS-17A", which is reportedly equipped with sophisticated data links for high, efficient interoperability with other naval vessels. [32]
The class is equipped with the BEL HUMSA-NG sonar, developed by the DRDO. The HUMSA-NG is a hull mounted "active cum passive" integrated sonar system capable of detecting, localizing, classifying and tracking sub-surface targets in both active and passive modes. [33]
The frigates feature the Shakti electronic warfare (EW) suite – developed by the Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL), for defense against anti-ship missiles and for the interception, detection, classification, identification and jamming of conventional radars. [34] Shakti is equipped with wide-band electronic-support measures (ESM), electronic countermeasures (ECM), an integrated "Radar Finger Printing System (RFPS)" and a data-recording replay feature for "post-mission analysis". [35] [36]
Each frigate features two General Electric LM2500 gas turbines – manufactured by GE Aviation and two MAN 12V28/33D STC four-stroke engines – manufactured by MAN Diesel & Turbo, arranged in a combined diesel and gas (CODAG) propulsion configuration. [37]
In December 2016, the IN contracted GE Aviation to supply fourteen LM2500 gas turbines for the seven frigates, which were license-assembled in India by the Industrial & Marine Gas Turbine Division (IMGT) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). [38] Under the deal, HAL was additionally sanctioned to provide comprehensive services – including the supply of spare parts, maintenance inspections and equipment overhauls. [39]
At the time of the order, HAL had already delivered eleven LM2500 turbines to the IN; the turbines are specifically used on multiple Indian warships, most notably on the Shivalik-class frigates. [40]
In February 2019, MDL contracted GE to supply an assortment of auxiliary equipment to the IN to support the fourteen engines; under the agreement, GE also handled the design work of the frigate's auxiliary system and its fuel supply system. [41]
In May 2016, the IN contracted MAN Diesel & Turbo to supply fourteen MAN 12V28/33D STC four-stroke engines for the seven frigates; under the deal, the requisite parts needed for the engines were sourced from India, while the engines' final assembly and testing were conducted at MAN's facility in Aurangabad, India. [42]
In June 2009, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) – the main acquisition panel subordinate to India's Ministry of Defence (MoD), cleared a proposal for the procurement of seven stealth frigates at a cost of ₹ 45,000 crore (equivalent to ₹1.1 trillionorUS$14 billion in 2023) crore – classified as "Project 17A" – on the lines of the IN's initiative of establishing a 160-ship fleet. [43]
In September 2012, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) – India's top decision-making institution on matters related to defense and national security, green-lighted the proposal for the "development cum construction" of the seven frigates. [44] Initially, the IN favoured a proposal of building the first two frigates at a foreign shipyard – seeking to minimize the project's overall construction timeline; however, this suggestion was overruled by India's Ministry of Defence (MoD) – which favoured indigenous production of the frigates. [45]
The seven frigates were envisioned as a "follow-on series" to the Shivalik-class frigates (Project 17), which were also being built for the IN at the time, but equipped with more sophisticated capabilities. [46] The designing-process of the seven frigates was completed in mid-2013. [47] The project – consisting of the construction of the seven designated frigates over a span of five years – was formally approved by the CCS in February 2015. [48]
The seven frigates are to be jointly constructed by two public-sector shipyards, namely, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), with four of the frigates allotted to MDL and the remaining three allotted to GRSE. [49]
In February 2015, the IN contracted Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), a Kolkata-based public-sector shipyard, to build three P-17A frigates at an estimated cost of ₹19,294 crore. [50] According to the terms of the contract, GRSE is slated to deliver the three frigates in 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively. In preparation for the order, GRSE re-augmented its infrastructure by establishing newer "modular" shipyards along with a Goliath gantry crane, meant for enabling the construction of the frigates in a short time frame. [51]
A significant proportion of the hull's blocks needed for the vessel's construction was procured from smaller shipyards and metal fabrication shops in and around Kolkata, while the construction/fabrication of additional infrastructure was done at GRSE's Rajabagan shipyard. [52]
The construction of the first frigate began in November 2018, while work on the second and third frigates began in January 2020 and March 2021, respectively. [53] The first of the three frigates, Himgiri, was launched on 14 December 2020, with its delivery slated to occur for August 2023. [54] The second frigate, Dunagiri, was launched on 15 June 2022, with its delivery slated to occur in 2024. [55]
In February 2015, the IN contracted Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), a Mumbai-based public-sector shipyard, to build four P-17A frigates at an estimated cost of over ₹21,000 crore. [56] [57] According to the terms of the contract, MDL is to deliver the four frigates in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively. [58]
The four frigates were built at different locations, namely, at MDL's main shipbuilding facility in Mumbai, at MDL's subordinate facility in Nhava, at a smaller shipbuilding facility also operated by MDL in Mumbai, at an MSE shipyard in Gujarat and at another shipyard in Goa. [59] Similarly to GRSE, MDL also upgraded its existing infrastructure; the shipyard augmenting its existing facilities with newer equipment, including a "Goliath" gantry crane, a module workshop, a wet basin and a "cradle assembly" shop, meant to facilitate modular construction. [60]
The construction of the first frigate began in December 2017, while work on the second, third and fourth frigates began in May 2019, September 2020 and June 2022, respectively. [61] [62] The first of the four frigates, Nilgiri, was launched on 28 September 2019, with its delivery slated to occur in August 2022. [63] The second frigate of the four frigates, Udaygiri, was launched on 17 May 2022, in a ceremony coinciding with the launch of INS Surat, a Visakhapatnam-class destroyer. [64] The third frigate, Taragiri, was launched on 11 September 2022, and is scheduled to be delivered in 2025. [65]
Name | Pennant | Yard Number | Builder | Laid Down | Launched | Commissioning | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Indian Navy | |||||||
Nilgiri | 12651 | Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) | 28 December 2017 [66] | 28 September 2019 [67] [68] | Mid 2024 (expected) [69] [70] | Launched | |
Udaygiri | 12652 | 7 May 2019 [71] | 17 May 2022 [72] [73] | 2025 (expected) [74] [70] | |||
Taragiri | 12653 | 10 September 2020 [75] | 11 September 2022 [76] | 2026 (expected) [77] [70] | |||
Mahendragiri | 12654 | 28 June 2022 [78] | 1 September 2023 [79] [80] [81] | 2027 (expected) [70] | |||
Himgiri | 3022 | Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) | 10 November 2018 [82] | 14 December 2020 [83] [84] | Mid 2025 (expected) [85] | ||
Dunagiri | 3023 | 24 January 2020 [86] | 15 July 2022 [87] [55] | Q1 2026 (expected) [88] | |||
Vindhyagiri | 3024 | 5 March 2021 [89] | 17 August 2023 [90] | Q3 2026 (expected) [88] |
The "Kolkata class" (Project 15A) are a class of stealth guided-missile destroyers constructed for the Indian Navy. The class comprises three ships – Kolkata, Kochi and Chennai, all of which were built by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) in India, and are the largest destroyers to be operated by the Indian Navy. Due to delays in construction and sea trials, the initial commissioning date of the first ship of the class was pushed back from 2010 to 2014.
The Brahmaputra-class frigates are guided-missile frigates of the Indian Navy, designed and built in India. They are an enhancement of the Godavari class, with a displacement of 3850 tons and a length of 126 metres (413 ft). Although of similar hull and dimension, internally, the Brahmaputra and Godavari classes have different configurations, armaments and capabilities. 3 ships of this class serve in the Indian Navy.
The Nilgiri-class frigates were updated versions of the Leander class, designed and built for the Indian Navy by Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai. Six ships were built between 1972–81. Vessels of the class formed the 14th Frigate Squadron. The lead ship INS Nilgiri was the first major warship to be built in India and was built in collaboration with Yarrow Shipbuilders of the United Kingdom.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), formerly called Mazagon Dock Limited, is a shipyard situated in Mazagaon, Mumbai. It manufactures warships and submarines for the Indian Navy and offshore platforms and associated support vessels for offshore oil drilling. It also builds tankers, cargo bulk carriers, passenger ships and ferries.
The Shivalik class or Project 17 class is a class of multi-role frigates in service with the Indian Navy. They are the first warships designed with low observability features built in India. They were designed to have better stealth features and land-attack capabilities than the preceding Talwar-class frigates. A total of three ships were built between 2000 and 2010, and all three were in commission by 2012.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd, abbreviated as GRSE, is one of India's leading shipyards, located in Kolkata. It builds and repairs commercial and naval vessels. GRSE also builds export ships.
INS Shivalik (F47) is the lead ship of her class of stealth multi-role frigates built for the Indian Navy. She is the first stealth warship built by India. She was built at the Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) located in Mumbai. Construction of the vessel began in 2001 and was completed by 2009. She underwent sea trials from thereon before being commissioned on 29 April 2010.
INS Nilgiri (F33) was the lead ship of her class of frigates. Commissioned on 3 June 1972 into the Indian Navy, she was decommissioned in 1996.
The Indian Navy has been focusing on developing indigenous platforms, systems, sensors and weapons as part of the nation's modernisation and expansion of its maritime forces. As of November 2023, the Indian Navy has 67 vessels of various types under construction including destroyers, frigates, corvettes, conventional-powered and nuclear-powered submarines and various other ships. It plans to build up to a total of 200 vessels and 500 aircraft by 2050. According to Chief of Naval Staff's statement in December 2020, India has transformed from a buyer's navy to a builder's navy.
The Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, also classified as the P-15 Bravo class, or simply P-15B, is a class of guided-missile destroyers currently being built for the Indian Navy. The Visakhapatnam class is an upgraded derivative of its predecessor, the Kolkata class, with improved features of stealth, automation and ordnance.
INS Nilgiri is the lead ship of the Nilgiri-class stealth guided missile frigates being built by Mazagon Shipyard Dock Limited for the Indian Navy. The ship was laid down on 28 December 2017 and it was launched on 28 September 2019. The ship is expected to be commissioned by November 2022.
INS Himgiri is the second ship of the Nilgiri-class stealth guided missile frigates being built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers for the Indian Navy. The ship was laid down on 10 November 2018 and it was launched on 14 December 2020. The ship is expected to be delivered by mid 2025 and commissioned by the same year.
INS Surat is the fourth and last ship of the Visakhapatnam-class stealth guided-missile destroyers of the Indian Navy.
INS Vagsheer (S26) is the sixth submarine of the first batch of six Kalvari-class submarines for the Indian Navy. It is a diesel-electric attack submarine based on the Scorpène class, designed by French naval defence and energy group Naval Group and manufactured by Mazagon Dock Limited, an Indian shipyard in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The ship was launched on 20 April 2022.
INS Udaygiri is the Indian Navy's third ship of the Nilgiri-class stealth-guided missile frigates.
INS Vindhyagiri is a Nilgiri-class frigate of the Indian Navy. It was built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata and was formally launched by the President of India, Srimati Droupadi Murmu on 17 August 2023.
INS Mahendragiri is a Nilgiri-class frigate of the Indian Navy. It was built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai and was formally launched by Sudesh Dhankhar, wife of Vice-President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar on 1 September 2023.
INS Taragiri is the Indian Navy's fifth ship of the Nilgiri-class stealth-guided missile frigates, formally classified as the Project-17 Alpha Frigates(P-17A). It is being built by Mazagon Shipyard Dock Limited for the Indian Navy.
Keel laying ceremony of Yard 12652 (Second ship of Project 17A at M/s MDL) was held on 7 May at M/s MDL, Mumbai.