Feature 8 | Frigates and destroyers
Stealth destroyer launched for Indian
Navy
INS Kochi, a Project 15A stealth destroyer building at Mazagon Docks Ltd
(MDL) was launched in September 2009, but in a far from complete state.
U
nlike the Project 15 Delhi class,
or the first of the Indian Navy’s
P-15A class, INS Kolkata, which
were far from complete when launched,
the new Project 15A destroyer was around
44% complete when she entered the water.
Compared with warships built elsewhere –
such as in Asia, in the West or Russia, the
vessel was far from complete, but was more
fully outfitted than most Indian newbuilds.
Even though the vessel is closer to
completion than most Indian-built vessels
are on launch, there is still much work to
be done on the vessel, but this will change
when MDL adopts modular construction
techniques, once an Indian Navy-funded
yard modernisation programme, initiated
ins Kochi is due to be delivered in 2012 (photo: Kapil Chandni).
in February 2009, is completed in 2011.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, India’s
new Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Nirmal 2010, with her sister ships following in May non-delivery of these items after some three
Verma, noted that “... while the navy firmly 2011 and May 2012 but ongoing delays mean years meant that they had to be reordered
stands behind continuing to encourage that these dates will move to the right. from Russia’s Baltisky Zavod in 2007. Baltisky
indigenous shipbuilding capability, there Apart from supply chain issues – both Zavod Shipyard was awarded a US$20
is an urgent need to usher in change and with domestic, Ukrainian and Russian million contract by the Indian Navy to build
emulate contemporary practices being suppliers – major design changes to three sets of shaft lines for the three Project
followed worldwide, to improve build incorporate new weapons systems after the 15A Class destroyers, each set including a
periods and quality and, more importantly, programme started have led inevitably to pair of shaftlines and a pair of propellers. The
to make the (warship-building) process delays, although, on completion, the P15A first shipset was planned for delivery in 2008,
more cost-effective”. destroyers will be a generation or more the second in 2009 and the third in 2010.
Yard number 12702 was laid down ahead of the P-15 Delhi class destroyers. The lead ship, Kolkata, is believed to have
in October 2005 and is expected to be As originally designed, the P-15A had had its engines, gearboxes and shafting
commissioned in mid/late 2012. She is the a primarily Russian-sourced weapon and installed. Installation of the bow-mounted
second of three P-15A Kolkata class stealth sensor suite with a AK-190E main gun, Shtil sonar dome was scheduled for completion
destroyers under construction at MDL. The anti-air missile and Fregat radar system. in October/November of 2009. The ship’s
P-15A class destroyers are a follow-on to the In part due to the aforementioned supply HVAC system is due to be fitted by April
P-15 Delhi class. The Kolkata class is 163m chain issues, the Indian Navy decided to 2010. Delivery of Kolkata is now planned
overall with a beam of 18m and a draft of adopt state-of-the-art technologies, thus for December 2011, and the other two ships
5m (6.8m full load). The displacement has necessitating a major redesign effort to will follow at yearly intervals.
variously been quoted as 6500-6800tons. incorporate the brand new Indo-Israeli The destroyers feature far greater offensive
Compared to the Delhi class, these ships Barak NG (Barak 8) long-range surface- and defensive capabilities than any other
feature improved habitability including to-air missile (LR SAM) and the equally ships in the Indian Navy. There are two
dedicated facilities for female officers. These new Elta EL/M 2248 MF-STAR S-band eight-cell Brahmos cruise missile launchers
ships can also act as flagships. multi-function radar system. on the foredeck. Launchers for the LR SAM
The keel of the first Kolkata class destroyer Apart from the Israeli-sourced systems, are located on the foredeck and atop the
was laid in September 2003 with launching another major problem was the acquisition helicopter hangar for a load-out of 48 missiles
taking place in March 2006. Commissioning of the propellers and shafting. Originally in a total of 48 cells. As highlighted above,
of the first vessel was scheduled for May sourced from a Ukrainian company, the main gun was originally to have been the
40 Warship Technology March 2010
WT_Mar-2010_p40-41-42.indd 40 23/02/2010 16:03:14
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