| The Indian Navy is the world’s seventh largest navy. It
consists of two fleets, the Eastern Fleet, homeported primarily in
Visakhapatnam, on the Bay of Bengal, and the Western Fleet, homeported
primarily in Bombay, on the Arabian Sea. India enters the 21st
Century with a small but formidable regional naval posture. Long
considered a "blue water" navy, the Indian Navy faces major
challenges as many of its major vessels near the end of their service
lives. Indigenous shipbuilding efforts are struggling to achieve
acceptable levels of productivity and efficiency. (Wg. Cdr. NK Pant) Its
share of the budgetary allocation has never crossed 14 per cent of the
total defence budget during the last half a century. Hence, it is not
surprising that navy’s present strength has not seen any upward revision
and remains same as was sanctioned as far back as 1964. The construction
of strategic and prestigious Seabird naval base off the Karwar coast is
hanging fire and may take a couple of years before it is completed.
Moreover, the navy’s important combat projects such as building an
indigenous air defence ship (ADS) and advanced technology vessel (ATV), a
euphemism for the nuclear powered submarine have not been accorded the
priority they deserved for funding. |
| One of the ADS
Designs
|
As a result, plans to commission a new air defence ship
(small carrier) might not be realised for at least a decade. This would
upset India's plans of possessing three air defence ships in the next five
years. While one could be the Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov,
the Navy wants to build the other two `smaller' carriers (which would,
however, be larger than the present carrier INS Viraat) in the country.
(Commander Vijay Sakhuja). The indigenous nuclear submarine designated
Advance Technology Vessels (ATVs) programme has been under way for almost
two decades. It has made little progress. The ATV submarine is expected to
be of 4,000 ton displacement, and four to five such vessels are to be
built. According to the Russian Defence Ministry's official newspaper, Krasnaya
Zevezda, Russia is assisting India in building the nuclear submarine,
which is a copy of the new Russian Severodvinsk class attack submarine,
currently under construction in Severodvinsk. No denying, in the recent
past some laudable efforts have gone into to fill up the deficiencies of
combat vessels like induction of indigenously built guided missile
destroyers INS Delhi and INS Mysore. The government has also sanctioned
the construction of three next generation Type17 frigates and two
project 75 submarines. |
| The current Indian Navy submarine force is a mix of Russian
and German origin boats. They belong to the Soviet Foxtrot (these will be
retired soon) and Kilo class, and four HDW type 209/1500 boats (two built
in India) of German origin. Reports suggest that, in 2001, India and
France struck a deal to build French Scorpene-class boats (these are
considered superior to the French supplied Agosta 90B to Pakistan) at the
submarine production facility in Mazagon Docks, Mumbai. A thirty-year
submarine construction plan upto 2025 aims at building an inventory of 24
submarines and boosting indigenous production. Future Indian submarines
would incorporate stealth features and have the capability to fire
missiles. The Indian Navy has shown interest in “Klub”,
(codenamed SS-NX-27 by NATO) missiles for its submarines. The latest Kilo
class submarine Sindhushastra, equipped with tube launched
‘Klub’ anti-ship missile, adds punch to the capability of conventional
submarines. |
SHIPS AND AIRCRAFT OF THE INDIAN NAVY :
AIRCRAFT CARRIERS :
- Viraat VSTOL aircraft carrier
|
|
INS Viraat R22 was originally commissioned in
the Royal Navy, as the HMS Hermes on 18 November 1959. In 1986,
the Indian Navy purchased the vessel and gave it an extensive refit at the
Davenport DY which gave it a life-extension refit of 10 years. This refit
included new fire control equipment, navigation radars and deck landing
aids. Boilers were converted to take distillate fuel and the ship was
given improved NBC protection.
INS Viraat began another life-extension refit in July
1999, which will extend her serviceability to 2010. This refit included
upgrading propulsion systems, a package of sensors to sound emergency
alerts, a modern communication system, a long-range surveillance radar,
new weapon systems, new hangar fire curtains, a revamped lift system to
reduce reaction time in the event of an attack and a new flood alarm
system.
INS Viraat underwent sea trials in December 2000 and
will undergo missile trials in March/April 2001. The refit is expected to
be complete by May/June 2001. The vessel took part in the International
Fleet Review in Mumbai on 17 February 2001. |
- Kiev Class (Admiral Gorshkov ) aircraft carrier ??
|
Commissioned by the Russian Navy in 1987, negotiations over
the 44,000-tonne Admiral Gorshkov, have reportedly been on since 1994. The
two countries signed a memorandum of understanding during Russian Prime
Minister, Yevgeny Primakov's visit to New Delhi in December 1998, by which
India agreed to acquire the vessel. In October 2000, during Russian
President Putin's visit, an inter-governmental agreement was signed
confirming the acquisition of the vessel for the Indian Navy. The price
has not yet been finalised by both parties and this is causing delays in
the deal being finalised.
According to the St. Petersburg-based Nevskoye PKB, the modernized
vessel would be capable of carrying 24 MiG-29K (11 parked on the deck, the
rest in hangers) and 6 helicopters or any combination thereof. Under the
modernization plan, the 20-ton capacity elevator beside the ship's island
superstructure will remain unchanged, but the aft lift will be enlarged
and its lift capacity increased to 30 tons. |
DESTROYERS :
- Delhi class destroyers
|
INS Delhi is the first of a new class of destroyer built by
Mazagon Dock Ltd based in Mumbai. Under the Project 15 programme, the
Indian Navy will acquire four Delhi class destroyers by the year 2002. The
Delhi destroyer was designed by the Indian Navy with detailed and
production design phase being carried out by Mazagon Dock. INS Delhi was
commissioned in 1997, INS Mysore was commissioned in June 1999 and INS
Bombay is due to commission in 2001.
With a displacement of 6,700 tonnes, overall length of 163 m and beam
of 17 m, the Delhi class is the largest warship built in India. The ship
is fitted with sophisticated anti-ship, anti-aircraft and anti-submarine
sensor and weapon systems. |
- Rajput (Kashin) class light destroyers
 |
Built as new construction for India at Nikolayev,
Russia with considerable modifications to the Kashin design. The
helicopter hanger has been replaced by a lift from the flight deck. The
76mm twin mount gun and the P-20M (SS-N-2D Styx) launchers are
sited forward of the bridge It is possible than an Italian combat data
system compatible with Selenia IPN-10 is installed. Immarsat is fitted.
New EW equipment was fitted in 1993/1994. There are plans for
modernization with Ukrainian assistance. First three vessels are based at
Vizag and the last pair at Mumbai.
The last two vessels (INS Ranvir and INS Ranvijay) will
reportedly be re-fitted with sixteen 3M-24 E (Kh-35 Uran or NATO: SS-N-25
Switchblade) AShMs, replacing the four P-20M (SS-N-2D Styx) AShMs. That,
however, is yet to be confirmed from reliable sources. |
FRIGATES :
- Talwar class (Modified Krivak type) frigates
 |
The Krivak III Class frigates are designed primarily
for ASW warfare and for the air defense of warship task forces. Three
Improved Krivak III Class frigates have been ordered, with construction of
all three vessels well underway. The Navy wants to fill the gap created by
the decommissioning of Leander Class frigates and until the Project 17
Class frigates enter service.
Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sushil Kumar, has said
that construction is six months ahead of schedule, thus advancing the
commissioning of the first vessel into IN service. The first vessel is
expected to start sea trials in 2001. The vessels are being built at the
Northern SY in St. Petersburg, Russia. The frigates will be the first IN
warships to incorporate stealth technology. Plans to acquire another three
vessels of the class is unlikely to occur, as priority is being given to
indigenous construction, namely the Project 17 Class frigates. |
- Godavari class frigates
 |
The Type 16 Class frigates are a modification of the
original Leander Class design with an indigenous content of 72% and a
larger hull.
The superstructure is steel, though INS Godavari shows signs of
poor welding. INS Gomati is the first IN vessel to have digital
electronics in her combat data system. The ships have a unique mixture of
Indian, Russian and Western weapon systems, which initially led to some
compatibility problems. |
- Brahmaputra (improved Godavari) class large frigates
|
The Type 16A Brahmaputra Class are a modification of the
Type 16 Godavari Class with the same hull and propulsion characteristics.
There are notable differences in the forecastle area around the AShM
launchers. Unlike the Godavari class frigates , which mount the outer
P-20M AShM canisters on sponsons, the Brahmaputra Class do not have the
sponsons for mounting the 3M-24E AShM. Internally, these are very
different from the Godavari Class frigates. |
- Nilgiri (Leander) class patrol frigates
 |
Leander Class frigates was the mainstay & workhorse
of the Indian Navy and they currently form the 14th Frigate Squadron. The
last two vessels have more powerful engines than the remainder. INS
Taragiri had a serious fire in July 1994, but was repaired and was back in
active service in 1995.
Westinghouse has supplied the Indian Navy with ASW
sonar systems, two hull mounted arrays and three visible depth sonar
arrays which are installed inside towed bodies built by Fathom Ocean Ltd.
Transducer elements in both cases are identical. At future refits, earlier
vessels (F34 and F36) will have their armament brought into line with
later ships. |
CORVETTES :
- Type 25A Kora Class corvettes
|
|
These vessels were intended to replace the ageing Petya-II
Class corvettes. The first two were ordered in April 1990 and latter two
in October 1994. The Type 25A vessels were to be fitted with the
indigenous Trishul SAM, marking the entry of the missile into naval
service. However INS Kora and INS Kirch, have no evidence of the
Trishul SAM on board and instead use two Strela-2M launchers.
In a statement on 15 March 2001, the now former Defence
Minister George Fernandes said that the missile has to undergo further
trials and will not be available for installation aboard naval ships
before 2003. |
- Abhay {Pauk II} Class corvettes
|
|
Modified Pauk II Class built in Russia for
export. Original order was placed in late 1983, but completion of
the first vessel was delayed by lack of funds and the orders for
the others was not reinstated until 1987. A fifth of the class was
cancelled. Names associated with former coastal patrol craft.
Classified as ASW vessels. All based at Mumbai as the 23 Patrol
Vessel Squadron. The first two vessels were commissioned at Poti,
Russia and INS Agray at Riga, Russia.
|
|
- Veer {Tarantul I} CLASS
corvettes
 |
Veer Class corvettes form the 22 Missile Vessel
Squadron, at Mumbai. INS Nirghat is the successor to the illustrious Osa-I
Class fast attack missile boat which rained missiles on Karachi. The new
vessel has preserved the red booster covers of the original P-15Ms that
were lobbed at Karachi in December 1971.
An order for four modified Veer Class corvettes was
placed in April 1997. This four-unit order has now been drawn down to two
units: one at Mazagon DY, Mumbai and the other at Mazagon DY, Goa. The
first vessel, Prabal, was launched in September 2000 and is due for
commissioning in January 2002. |
SUBMARINES :
- Kilo class submarines
 |
The Kilo Class submarine has a single shaft with a
double hull. Six compartments separated by bulkheads to enable it to
remain afloat even when one is flooded. To reduce the submarine's acoustic
signature, the flooding ports have been removed from the fore-body.
Anechoic tiles are fitted on casings and fins.
The submarine also has a new gas-freeing system to
reduce risk of detection. The hull of the submarine is covered with rubber
anti-sonar protection tiles which have a special ozonising layer to combat
the sun's effects in tropical waters. The bow planes are positioned close
to the mid-ship to improve sonar performance.
An engine change is probable during major refits in
Russia which started in 1997, with INS Sindhuvir. A
German-designed, Indian-built main battery, with a five year life has
replaced the Russian batteries in all the vessels. Battery cooling has
been improved as a result of the change. Kilo Class submarines have been
nicknamed 'Black Hole' by NATO for their silent operation in the sea. |
- Foxtrot class patrol submarines
 |
Displacement: 2,400 tons submerged Dimensions: 92
x 7 x 6 meters (302 x 23 x 19.5 feet) Propulsion: Diesel-electric,
3 diesels, 2 shafts, 5,300 shp, 15.5 knots Crew: 75 Sonar: MF
active and passive array Armament: 6 21 inch torpedo tubes forward,
4 21" tubes aft (22 torpedoes or 44 mines) Generally obsolete; only
put to sea occasionally. USSR built for export. Number Name Year FLT
Homeport Notes S20 Kursura 1970 EAST Vish. S40 Vela 1973 EAST Vish. In
refit S42 Vagli 1974 WEST Bombay S43 Vagsheer 1974 EAST Vish. |
- Shishumar class (Type 209) coastal submarines
 |
The Shishumar Class submarines have a central bulkhead and
an IKL designed integrated escape sphere which can carry the full crew of
40 personnel, has an oxygen supply of 8 hours and can withstand pressure
at least as great as those that can be withstood by the sub's pressure
hull.
The first two submarines sailed for India in February 1987, while the
last two were delayed by assembly problems caused by faulty welding. In
1984 it was announced that two more submarines would be built at the
Mazagon Dock Ltd. (MDL) in Mumbai, but this was overtaken by events in
1987-88 and the agreement with HDW was terminated at just four submarines.
This was reconsidered in 1992 and again in 1997, but no orders were
placed. |
AMPHIBIOUS SHIPS :
- Magar class landing ships
 |
Based on the Sir Lancelot design. Built at
Hindustan SY but fitted at the Garden Reach DY. A third of the class with
some major design changes was laid down in July 1996. INS Magar
was refitted in 1995. Both vessels based at Vizag.
Based on previous performance with this class, it
should be completed in 12 years. Carries four LCVPs on davits. Bow door.
Can beach on gradients 1 in 40 or more. More vessels of the class might be
built at Mazagon DY. |
- Ghorpad (Polnocny-C/D) class small landing ships
 |
All new construction from Gdynia Shipyard. The last four
vessels are Polnochny D, with the flight deck forward of the bridge and
different radars. All are being restricted operationally through lack of
spares, but all are still seaworthy. Plans do exist, to modernize this
class with Polish help though their exact status is uncertain. Based at
Vizag. |
- Vasco Da Gama class utility landing craft
 |
Displacement: 500 tons full load Dimensions: 55.96
x 7.94 x 1.71 meters (183.5 x 26 x 5.5 feet) Propulsion: 3 diesels,
3 shafts, 1,245 bhp, 9 knots Crew: ??? Troops: 150 Cargo:
250 tons Armament: 2 40 mm, can carry mines Names of some
unknown; L31-L33 may be additional units of this type. |
REPLENISHMENT TANKERS :
- Jyoti (modified Komandarm Fedko class) fleet oiler
 |
This was the third of a class of merchant tankers,
modified for naval use for the IN and acquired in 1995. The ship was laid
down in September 1993. Based in Bombay where it arrived in November 1996.
May be fitted with armament in due course. There are
two replenishment positions on each side, and stern refueling is an
option. A similar ship was sold to China and two others are in commercial
service. To be fitted with close-in weapon systems - guns and missiles -
for self-defence. |
- Aditya (modified Deepak class) replenishment oiler
 |
Ordered in July 1987 to a Bremer-Vulcan design, GRSE Yard
Number 3008. The Aditya Class, which is fully air-conditioned, is a
lengthened version of the original Deepak but with a multipurpose
workshop. Four RAS stations alongside. Building progress was very slow and
was plagued by propulsion problems, during it's sea trials in September
1999. |
- Shakti (Deepak class) fleet oiler
 |
Displacement: 22,000 tons full load Dimensions: 168.43
x 23 x 9.14 meters (553 x 75.5 x 30 feet) Propulsion: Steam
turbines, 2 boilers, 1 shaft, 16,500 shp, 20 knots Crew: 169 Aviation:
helicopter deck and hangar; 1 Chetak helo Cargo: 12,624 oil
fuel, 1,280 tons diesel, 1,495 tons aviation fuel, 812 tons water Armament:
3 40 mm, 2 20 mm (A57: 4 40 mm, no 20 mm) Built in Germany. |
AIRCRAFT AND HELICOPTERS :
- BAE Sea Harrier Mk.51/T Mk.60
 |
The IN Air Arm has ±18 Sea Harrier Mk.51s and five T
Mk.60 trainers in service, which fly with the No.300 White Tigers
Squadron. The aircraft are currently based in Dabolim, Goa as the INS
Viraat is undergoing a two-year refit, which began in July 1999.
In July 1999, a mid-life upgrade package, worth $200
million, was announced for the IN's Sea Harriers. However in late 1999,
the upgrade package was put off, in favour of purchasing the MiG-29K for
deployment on the Admiral Gorshkov - if purchased - and the
Air defense ship. The Sea Harriers are now due to retire by 2010 along
with the decommissioning of the INS VIRAAT in the same year. |
- Sepecat Jaguar IM
 |
Has armour protection for critical system components.
Has provision for in-flight refueling with retractable probe forward of
cockpit on starboard side. The canopy is bullet proofed against 7.5mm
rifle fire. The Jaguar IM aircraft have been upgraded with the
Israeli Elta EL/M-2023 multimode fire control radar, replacing the old
Agave maritime radar. The Jaguar IM has also been upgraded with integrated
electronic warfare pods.
The IAF has a squadron of 16 Jaguar IM aircraft, which are equipped to
carry the Sea Eagle AShM for the maritime strike role. |
- Dornier DO-228-101
 |
Purchased from Germany principally to be used as a light
transport aircraft in the IAF, they are used in a variety of roles such as
maritime patrol, search & rescue and reconnaissance in the IN (±25
aircraft) and in the Coast Guard (±20 aircraft). HAL has received a $72
million order for seven license-built Do-228-101 Maritime Patrol Aircraft
(MPA) from the Coast Guard. They are likely to be supplemented by an
additional 12 aircraft, in the follow-on five-year plan period after 2007.
Deliveries will commence in 2001 and will take two years to complete. |
- Tupolev TU-142 BEAR-F
 |
The Tu-142 Bear-F is the maritime reconnaissance/strike
version of the Tu-95 Bear which was a Russian nuclear weapons capable
bomber. The aircraft's long range, can fly from Bombay to Johannesburg,
South Africa and back without refueling, combined with its heavy payload
of 20,000 lb. is a valuable asset to the Indian Navy's ASW and MR
capability.
Negotiations are currently going on with Russia to procure 6 to 8 more
aircraft. The aircraft will be probably from refurbished ex-VVS storage
stocks. |
- Ilyushin IL-38 MAY
 |
Type: Long range
maritime patrol aircraft. Number in Service: ±8 Operational
Speed: 347 knots (645 km/h) Service Ceiling:
32,800 ft. (10,000 meters) Range: 3887 nautical
miles (7200km) Sensors: 'Wet Eye' search radar,
MAD, sonobuoys and ESM. Weapons: Various
torpedoes, mines and depths bombs used for ASW purposes. Role:
Shore-based, long-range ASW recon into the Indian Ocean. |
- HAL Chetak (ALOUETTE III)
 |
HAL Chetaks are carried mainly on the Godavari and
Leander Class frigates, on Khukri Class corvettes, and on various other
vessels that are in service with the Indian Navy. Around 23 are in service
with the Navy and Coast Guard. Several helicopters roles still performed
including embarked carrier-based SAR, utility and support to commando
forces. |
- Sea King Mk.42A/B/C
|
The Sea King Mk.42 is licensed produced by the UK-based
GKN Westland, from Sikorsky - a US company. The chopper forms the backbone
of the Indian Naval Air Arm's helicopter fleet and has purchased more Sea
King Mk.42s from GKN Westland than any other overseas customer. More than
40+ variants were delivered and an estimated 33 helicopters are still in
service.
Sanctions imposed by the Clinton Administration for
India's May 1998 nuclear tests, led to an acute shortage of critical spare
parts for the Sea King fleet. On 23 November 2000, in a parliamentary
session in the Lok Sabha, Defence Minister George Fernandes stated in a
written reply that an acute shortage of critical spare parts had affected
the operational efficacy of the Sea King helicopter fleet, with 60% of the
helicopters grounded. On 19 January 2001, the Clinton Administration
lifted the sanctions and go-ahead was given for the sale of spare parts
for the Indian Navy's Sea King fleet. |
- Kamov KA-28 Helix -A
 |
The Ka-28 Helix-A was purchased to replace the Ka-25BSh
helo, although some are still in service with the Navy. The Ka-28 is the
export version of the Ka-27PL and it's ASW capabilities are better than
the Ka-25BSh. Around 18 Ka-28s are in service, on board various naval
vessels.
The Scientific Research Institute of Systematic
Equipment at St. Petersburg, Russia is currently developing a variant of
the Fagot anti-ship warfare suite for the Ka-28 helicopters in service
with the Indian Navy (IN). Unconfirmed reports, in September 2000, state
that five Ka-28s are currently in the Sevastopol Aircraft Enterprise,
Russia where they are undergoing a major overhaul. The overhaul is
expected to take five months. The IN has ordered the Ka-31 Helix-B AEW
helicopter. |
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