Indian Navy News & Discussion - 22 April 2015

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 18 May 2015 06:08

Vikrant has 4xlm2500 turbines and renk gearboxes not zorya.

arshyam · Post by **arshyam** » 18 May 2015 10:14

^^Cool, then that's one less thing to worry about.

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 19 May 2015 17:24

Parliamentary committee castigates Indian Navy over flagship projects

http://www.janes.com/article/51494/parl ... p-projects

Three major Indian Navy (IN) warship programmes have exceeded their original cost by INR289.63 billion (USD4.6 billion) and their delivery schedules by six to eight years, India's parliamentary committee on defence has revealed.

In a report tabled in parliament on 27 April, the committee said that the largest price escalation and commissioning delays involved Vikrant , the 37,500-tonne Project 71 aircraft carrier that is under construction at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in southern India.

Vikrant's price has increased over six times from INR32.61 billion to INR193.41 billion and its commissioning deadline revised from December 2010 to the end of 2018, the report said.

Similarly, the price of the three locally designed 7,400-tonne Project 15A Kolkata-class destroyers built at Mumbai's Mazagon Dock Limited has increased threefold from INR35.80 billion to INR116.62 billion.

INS Kolkata was commissioned in August 2014, over four years behind schedule, while the two follow-on destroyers - Kochi and Chennai - will join the IN in June and December after a five-year delay.

As well, the cost of building four P-28 3,500-tonne anti-submarine warfare (ASW) corvettes at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata has more than doubled from INR30.51 billion to INR78.52 billion.

INS Kamorta , the first ASW corvette, was commissioned in August 2014 following a three-year delay. The three other warships will be delivered at one-year intervals, making an overall delay of six years, the committee said.

The report said these lapses could have been avoided by bringing in better "intelligibility, vision, and co-ordination among the development agencies, production units, and final users, along with periodical performance audits".

"Frivolous handling and wastage of national monetary resources cannot be justified by any means," it added, and urged the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to take a "proactive stand and penalise those held accountable for the inordinate delays".

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 19 May 2015 18:23

And these are brand new projects not modernization/transformation as in the case of the Gorky/Vik-A ,which was also at fault for poor estimation of the ultimate cost and time required for delivery. When our DPSUs fail to deliver on time and with heavy cost escalation,it is no wonder that the services look to foreign imports to "keep their powder dry".

Anyone attending this naval Defexpo in Sing city? If so please send pics,reports.

Why is there no mention of any Indian co./warship attending? This is a golden opportunity to show off our wares like Kol DDGs,P-28 corvettes,patrol craft,etc.

http://thediplomat.com/2015/05/asias-la ... s-and-uvs/

Asia's Largest Naval Warfare Exhibition: Focus on Subs and UVs
This year’s IMDEX conference is bigger than ever — a telling sign of an accelerating arms race in Asian waters?

By Franz-Stefan Gady
May 19, 2015

This week, Singapore will once more play host to Asia’s largest maritime defense trade fair, the Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (IMDEX). Taking place from May 19 – 20 at Singapore’s Changi Exhibition Center, the 10th biennial IMDEX will feature military hardware from more than 180 participating companies, high-level delegations from around 40 and navy chiefs from 24 countries, along with 20 warships from 12 nations.

IMDEX 2015′s principal focus will be on unmanned vehicles (both in the skies and underwater), vessels suited for littoral waters, and underwater technology, according to the event organizers.

Defense News quotes Leck Chet Lam, IMDEX Asia’s head organizer, as saying that “unmanned vehicles will feature in several areas of IMDEX Asia 2015.” UV exhibitors will include Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, ST Engineering, SAAB AB, Atlas Elektronik and Microflown Maritime.

Unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) in particular are expected to play a larger role in future underwater warfare (see: “The End of the Submarine as We Know it?” ) and will be a topic of discussion during the 15th Asia Pacific Submarine Conference (APSC), which will be held in conjunction with IMDEX Asia.

Building on the garnering interest in UUVs, the Swedish defense contractor Kockum Naval Solutions (a subsidiary of SAAB) will try to pitch its newest diesel-electric stealth sub, the A26, to the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and perhaps also reignite Australia’s interest in Swedish military hardware. The A26 is equipped with an air-independent propulsion system (AIP) and specifically designed for littoral operations

The A26 specifically comes with a new Multimission Portal flexible payload lock system large “enough to allow the launch and retrieval of unmanned underwater vehicles,”according to Defense Industry Daily.

The articles further notes that UUVs “can already provide advance surveying and sensing capabilities, and their modification toward a combat role is a certainty. This will likely begin with coordinated decoying tactics, but UUVs are expected to graduate to active combat capabilities before the A26 leaves service.”

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is expected to dispatch a warship, the 4,000-ton Type 054A (Jiangkai II) frigate Yulin, to IMDEX. It’s the first time in seven years that Beijing has sent a warship to the exhibition, indicating China’s growing interest in the maritime domain.

Also, the commander of the South Sea Fleet, Rear Adm. Shen Jinlong, will speak at the International Maritime Security Conference (IMSC), another discussion forum held in combination with IMDEX Asia 2015 that will discuss strengthening maritime cooperation in Asian waters. Various Chinese exhibitors are also expected to showcase indigenous defense technology, including offshore armed patrol boats and maritime patrol craft, to interested customers.

AMI International, a naval industrial forecast group, predicts that countries in the in the Asia Pacific region are expected to spend around $200 billion on new ships and submarines by 2031. “Technological advancement is a key factor in driving defense spending in the region as military forces modernize their aging assets and replace obsolete technology,” an IMDEX Asia press release said. “High on the procurement lists are ships, naval craft, [and] radar systems along with submarines and naval defense systems.”

Bade · Post by **Bade** » 20 May 2015 05:08

India launches anti-submarine warfare corvette

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city ... 346159.cms

KOLKATA: INS Kavaratti, fourth and last of the Kamorta-class Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) corvettes, was launched by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata on Tuesday. The first ship of this class, INS Kamorta, has already joined the Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy and is presently in Singapore, participating in the International Maritime Defence Exhibition, chief of naval staff Admiral R K Dhowan informed.

GRSE has done a commendable job in supplying the Navy with indigenous ships since 1961. GRSE is today one of the foremost naval shipyards in the country. The INS Kavaratti is a very advanced vessel that will enhance the Navy's capabilities," said minister of state for defence Rao Inderjit Singh, whose wife Manita launched the ship.

According to GRSE chairman-cum-managing director Rear Admiral (retd) A K Verma, the INS Kadmatt and INS Kiltan, the other two ships of the Kamorta-class, are being fitted out by the shipyard and will be delivered on time to the Navy. "These ships are designed in a manner to evade detection by enemy radar. The superstructure of this ship has been built with carbon-fibre composite material that will make it lighter and help increase its speed. This is the first time that a shipyard in India has done this. GRSE has also bagged the order for three stealth frigates under the Navy's Project 17A," Verma said.

Dhowan pointed out that the INS Kavaratti has nearly 90% indigenous content that goes with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's motto: Make in India. "GRSE has already supplied a large number of warships to the Navy. We are very proud of the Kamorta class of ships. These shipyards have helped convert us into a builder's Navy from a buyer's Navy. At present, we have 48 ships and submarines under construction at various shipyards, both public and private, in the country," the navy chief said.

GRSE, before it underwent modernization a few years ago, came under fire from the navy for huge time and cost overruns. It overcame its shortcomings though and In 2014-15, recorded a Value of Production (VoP or turnover) of Rs 1,650 crore.

"We delivered the first indigenous ship, the INS Ajay, to the Navy in 1961. In 2015, we became the first shipyard in the country to deliver the Barracuda, the first warship to be exported by the country. This was our 94th warship. No shipyard in the country has achieved this. GRSE has been making profits for the last 22 years and our order book is full," Verma told TOI.

While the carbon-composite superstructure has been developed with Swedish assistance, steel used for all the four ASW corvettes was developed in India and built by SAIL. In fact, INS Kamorta was the first ship to be built in India with indigenous steel.

"All the ships of this class carry helicopters. Before the INS Kamorta, helo-decks used to have rail systems. The rails would project above the deck and prove a hindrance. GRSE, with technology from the UK, developed a wire-based system known as 'Rail-less Helo-traversing System' that is extremely successful. These ships also have foldable hanger doors developed by L&T. The earlier rolling hangers weren't reliable. We shall continue to deliver ships to the Navy at short intervals after this," Verma said.

Bade · Post by **Bade** » 20 May 2015 06:06

Navy gets array sonars but ships yet to get fitted

The Kamorta-class of stealth corvettes are designed to track down and destroy enemy submarines. However, one of its crucial components is missing. The capabilities of normal sensors in ships are greatly reduced due to the noise their engines make. To track enemy submarines, ASW corvettes need to have something known as Active Towed Array Sonar or Actas. This is a system of hydrophones towed behind a vessel on a cable that can be kilometers long.

This keeps the array's sensors away from the noise sources of the ship towing it, thereby improving its signal-to-noise ratio. This increases the possibility of detecting and tracking faint contacts such as the soft, muffled noise made by submarines. Actas offers superior resolution and range compared to hull-mounted sonar. It also covers the baffles, the blind spot of hull-mounted sonar. Unfortunately, the INS Kamorta doesn't have Actas, reducing its capability to locate submarines. This also puts the ship at risk from enemy submarines that can pass close without being detected.

When asked about this, Singh said: "This is a fine class of ships. All ships have sonar. In the Kamorta-class, the engines are mounted on rubber-rafts and this reduces sound significantly. So the chance of detection is low."

A source in the Navy said that six Actas have already been procured from Germany's Atlas Elektronik by the Ministry of Defence as part of a $51 million deal. However, INS Kamorta may not get one of these. The six Actas will be fitted to three Talwar-class frigates and three Delhi-class destroyers. There is hope though. Under the deal, the German company will transfer technology to Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL). The public sector undertaking will build 10 Actas under licence from Atlas. These will be fitted to other ships. INS Kamorta and other ships of its class may get their turn then.

"Apart from these 16, the Navy plans to get 20 more by 2018 when the INS Vikrant and other ships are commissioned. Ships of the Kamorta-class will get their Actas as and when they go in for refits," the source in the Navy said.

Aditya G · Post by **Aditya G** » 20 May 2015 11:10

Actas vs passive variable depth sonar: how do the two compare?

Karthik S · Post by **Karthik S** » 20 May 2015 17:22

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-new ... 48990.aspx

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Make In India flagship on Tuesday set out on an ambitious course with South Korean major Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and public sector Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam, joining hands to build warships. Another Korean firm, Samsung, will be collaborating with Kochi Shipyard to make liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers.

A special team of HHI will visit India soon to meet officials of Hindustan Shipyard Ltd as well as officers of the Indian Navy and others to finalise the details of its foray into naval ship-building and other related areas.

The broader plan agreed upon during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to South Korea entails HHI giving technological assistance and related help in various spheres, making submarines and destroyers included. HHI, which is adept at modular construction in ship-building, would help in bringing down the time frame in the construction of ships besides bringing its high-end technology to its Indian partner."

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 20 May 2015 17:40

Some reports say that SoKo is wary of selling its much-vaunted ship-building tradecraft,which now builds amphibs,DDGs,subs,etc. Earlier,a few deacades ago,Japan was Asia's shipbuilding giant,but has been eclipsed in recent times by SoKo. Famous old story.The Indian ambassador went to a yard where a merchant ship was being handed over.He was shocked when he found fewer than a few doz. workers present,the team that built the ship!

There is a report out now about SoKo's subs being able to give the PLAN some cause for worry. The SoKo navy operates 5 older U-boats (209s) and are building upto 9 new German U-214s,several to have AIP systems. Should the U-214 be chosen for the P-75I tender,then with the planned SoKo tie-up,HSL will be in pole position to build the subs.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 20 May 2015 19:15

Bade wrote:Navy gets array sonars but ships yet to get fitted

The Kamorta-class of stealth corvettes are designed to track down and destroy enemy submarines. However, one of its crucial components is missing. The capabilities of normal sensors in ships are greatly reduced due to the noise their engines make. To track enemy submarines, ASW corvettes need to have something known as Active Towed Array Sonar or Actas. This is a system of hydrophones towed behind a vessel on a cable that can be kilometers long.

This keeps the array's sensors away from the noise sources of the ship towing it, thereby improving its signal-to-noise ratio. This increases the possibility of detecting and tracking faint contacts such as the soft, muffled noise made by submarines. Actas offers superior resolution and range compared to hull-mounted sonar. It also covers the baffles, the blind spot of hull-mounted sonar. Unfortunately, the INS Kamorta doesn't have Actas, reducing its capability to locate submarines. This also puts the ship at risk from enemy submarines that can pass close without being detected.

When asked about this, Singh said: "This is a fine class of ships. All ships have sonar. In the Kamorta-class, the engines are mounted on rubber-rafts and this reduces sound significantly. So the chance of detection is low."

A source in the Navy said that six Actas have already been procured from Germany's Atlas Elektronik by the Ministry of Defence as part of a $51 million deal. However, INS Kamorta may not get one of these. The six Actas will be fitted to three Talwar-class frigates and three Delhi-class destroyers. There is hope though. Under the deal, the German company will transfer technology to Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL). The public sector undertaking will build 10 Actas under licence from Atlas. These will be fitted to other ships. INS Kamorta and other ships of its class may get their turn then.

"Apart from these 16, the Navy plans to get 20 more by 2018 when the INS Vikrant and other ships are commissioned. Ships of the Kamorta-class will get their Actas as and when they go in for refits," the source in the Navy said.

Commissioning the INS Kamorta is a good thing. Its despicable of TOI to whine about towed sonar or lack there of. Do they want the commissioning halted till the towed array is available? A ship is hand is worth much more than a super duper ship later.
Besides the towed sonars are being allocated to more important capital ships.
IN prioritized based on risk assessment when they have limited assets.
Does TOI want to whine about that?
The article is basically a pot shot at IN decisions-making process under guise of defence reporting.

Could the TOI have published the article next week?

Also India has the bad habit a encouraging all sorts of idiot comments second guessing all decisions.

India is only country with folk tale of "Two men and a Donkey"

Bade thanks for the article.

Bade · Post by **Bade** » 21 May 2015 07:03

I was more concerned that even a towed array sonar, required TOT. Something is not right. Did not NPOL have these technologies in place already ?

Bade · Post by **Bade** » 21 May 2015 08:04

^^^ NPOL targets orders worth Rs. 3,000 crore by 2017

With the Navy evincing a keen interest in the advanced submarine detection systems such as the low-frequency dunking sonar (LFDS) and the advanced low-frequency towed array sonar (ATLAS) developed by it, the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory at Thrikkakara, the only establishment under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Kerala, is on a roll.

India’s self-reliance in underwater surveillance and communication systems is thanks to the lab’s steadfast effort at harnessing the latest technologies to develop state-of-the art systems, most of which are fitted on board frontline naval platforms while those under development are in various stages of user evaluation.

“To measure the growth of even a research and development (R&D) organisation, one needs to have quantifiable metrics. One such metric we have kept for ourselves is the order value of the products based on indigenous R&D,” says NPOL director S. Anantha Narayanan, a distinguished scientist who was recently conferred the DRDO Technology Leadership Award.

In an interview with The Hindu , Mr. Narayanan reveals that the order value of NPOL-developed sonars inducted into the Indian Navy has seen a four-fold increase in the past seven years. The goal now is to attain a six-fold growth, pegged at Rs. 3,000 crore, by the end of the 12th five year plan (year 2017).

The delivery of Apsoh (advanced panoramic sonar hull mounted) developed under the leadership of Arogyaswami J. Paulraj (now an Emeritus professor at Stanford University and a recipient of the Marconi Prize or the ‘Tech’ Nobel) was the first high-point in the lab’s history in which Mr. Narayanan also played a part. Subsequently, he led a team that developed a sonar trainer and spearheaded the first indigenous submarine sonar project, Panchendriya, in 1993.

NPOL now boasts an impressive array of advanced sonars that are part of naval inventory. Indigenous sonar Humsa (hull-mounted sonar array) has its new generation variants fitted on all frontline ships of the Navy. Compact indigenous sonar systems like Abhay have been developed by the lab for fitment on warships of smaller size. Meanwhile, submarine sonars like Ushus and its variant Payal are on board India’s conventional and nuclear submarines.

Systems apart, the lab’s thrust in technology development has resulted in new underwater transducers, compact electronics, ultra cool power amplifiers, networked towed arrays, airborne winches and new materials, Mr. Narayanan points out. “New techniques in signal processing and ocean modelling support increasingly-intensive system developments, which drastically reduce product development time,” he says.

NPOL has of late taken the lead in fostering industrial growth in the State by transferring technology that is unavailable to them otherwise. “It becomes mutually beneficial and spurs economic growth.” In Kerala, several small and medium industries besides PSU Keltron have benefitted from the relationship. The lab helped set up state-of-the-art infrastructure for development of towed arrays at Keltron Controls in Aroor.

Mr. Narayanan says the Navy’s commitment to induction of indigenised equipment helped the lab consolidate its position in ship and submarine sonar segments. To forge closer ties, the lab has constituted a ‘Naval Training School Cell’ on its campus for streamlining interaction with various naval schools. Delivery of training simulators under NTSC, he maintains, has improved the efficiency of sonar operations and acceptability of systems by the Navy.

navneeet · Post by **navneeet** » 22 May 2015 08:35

A good news..

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/a ... 230833.ece

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 22 May 2015 08:44

Yes,in the proposed shallow water ASW corvettes,it is stated that sonars for bhumm ans TAS aren't available in India. Not quite correct as HUMVAD,etc have been fitted onto warships and even sub sonars for refitted Kilos.

Good news,the Sindhukirit is back with us after the longest ever kilo refit at HSL.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/a ... 230833.ece
May 21, 2015
INS Sindhukirti submarine begins voyage after retrofitting at Vizag.

Santosh Patnaik

INS Sindhukirti, seventh Sindhughosh-class submarine of Indian Navy, before undertaking sea trials on Thursday at Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam. Photo: By Arrangement

The Hindu
INS Sindhukirti, seventh Sindhughosh-class submarine of Indian Navy, before undertaking sea trials on Thursday at Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam. Photo: By Arrangement

Soviet Union-built submarine was commissioned on January 4, 1990. The cost of the retrofitting project at HSL is estimated at around Rs.700 crore.

The sea trial of Russia-made INS Sindhukirti, the seventh Sindhughosh class diesel electric submarine of Indian Navy, was launched after successful completion of retrofitting at Hindustan Shipyard Limited here on Thursday.

“Today is a red-letter day in our history as retrofitting involved a complex process -- a more difficult process than building a new submarine. Our workforce deserved credit for completing the Herculean task adhering to stringent quality standards stipulated by the Navy,” Rear Admiral N.K. Mishra told The Hindu.

The HSL, the premier shipyard of the country set up in 1941 had earlier completed retrofitting of two submarines belonging to Egyptian naval forces and INS Vagli.

“This was the biggest-ever repair of a submarine undertaken in any shipyard in the country proving our capability to take up orders to construct generation next Greenfield submarines,” Mr. Mishra said.

The INS Sindhukirti was built at Admirality Shipyard and Sevmash in the erstwhile Soviet Union and commissioned on January 4, 1990. The cost of the retrofitting project is estimated at around Rs.700 crore to Rs.800 crore.

The delayed completion of the submarine is attributed to insistence by the Russians to source electrodes and several parts from their country including change of mainline cables in 2011, according to sources.

(*no totally accurate,the IN was earlier livid with HSL for dismantling the sub and its inability to put it back ,refitted.)

The HSL also had to undertake dredging after undocking it on November 4 due to accumulation of sand in its area reducing the draft from seven to four metres under the influence of Cyclone Hudhud, which battered the industries of Visakhapatnam on October 12, 2014.

Earlier reports.
http://www.sunday-guardian.com/investig ... rine-rusts

Shipyard delays REFIT, Submarine rusts

‘The effective life of a submarine is around 30 years. It’s criminal if 1/3 of that is spent in dry dock for one refit.’

VISHAL THAPAR New Delhi | 15th Mar 2014
INS Sindhukirti is seen rusting away at the Hindustan Shipyard.

n Indian Navy submarine is sitting in dry dock for eight years, rusting away while it awaits repair and upgrade. The Indian Navy sent the Kilo-class submarine, INS Sindhukirti to Vizag's Hindustan Shipyard in 2006 for a refit. Eight years later, the government shipyard is yet to finish the repair work, even as the submarine lies stripped and opened up. The mid-life refit involves repair of the submarine's outer hull and replacement of equipment like sonars, sensors, operations and fire control systems and machinery.

Around Rs 1,000 crore have been released by the Indian Navy for this upgrade. The Hindustan Shipyard has promised to complete the work by 2015, but not many in the Navy believe that it can meet this deadline. Similar mid-life refits of six other Kilo-class submarines have been done by a Russian shipyard in 24 to 28 months at roughly the same cost.

"The effective life of a submarine is around 30 years. It's criminal if one-third of this life is spent in dry dock for just one refit," a senior Navy officer lamented.

The Sindhukirti refit was awarded to the Hindustan Shipyard with the lofty objective of developing indigenous capability. But what made the choice of HSL bizarre was that it had not produced any warship, and the only time it had taken on a military refit project was for the Foxtrot class submarines. It delayed that refit as well.

The Navy believes that the HSL does not have the experience and competence to upgrade the Kilo class submarine. "They were never capable of doing it. The government has been supporting this out-of-work shipyard at the cost of operational readiness and national security," thundered a naval officer. He described the near-decade old delay in getting just one refit as "unacceptable".

The Russians deployed a 200-strong workforce round-the-clock to achieve the mid-life refits of the six Kilo-class submarines in about 24 months. HSL has not shown any such urgency and is proceeding at a glacial pace.

The Navy desperately requires to make up submarine numbers, particularly so after the loss of one submarine, the Sindhurakshak, in the 14 August 2013 explosion, and the temporary unavailability of the Sindhuratna following the fatal onboard fire on 26 February 2014. But the submarine force levels are in free fall due to obsolescence and accidents. India needs at least 18 conventional submarines. But at the moment, the Navy displays only nine Soviet-origin Kilo class conventional submarines. It shows another four German HDWs and one Akula-class nuclear powered submarine on lease from Russia. India has not added a single new conventional submarine in the last 14 years.

In a recent report, the Comptroller and Auditor General concluded that the age of the platforms and proportional increase in time for repairs further reduces operational availability of these submarines to under 50%.

What makes the picture even gloomier is the planned phase-out of the Kilo class submarines from 2014-15.

Even before the recent submarine accidents, the Navy had sent out an SOS to the government, warning that submarine force levels would be down to five conventional and one nuclear vessel by 2015 due to planned phase-out due for obsolescence and wear-and-tear.

The six Scorpene replacements, which were approved in 2003, will not begin arriving before 2016. Another line of submarines under Project 75 (I), which was approved in 2006, has still not been tendered. The government approved in 1999 a 30-year programme to build 24 submarines. But not one has arrived yet.

"Without urgent attention, India could prospectively experience its neighbourhood by a large number of SSNs (nuclear submarines). As of now, as per reports, the process has already begun to test waters far away from home bases for the PLAN (Chinese Navy), and this is a matter of grave operational concern that requires urgent proactive measures," says the Indian Navy in a note to the government, warning that any space vacated by India in its own backyard due to erosion of critical capability could be occupied by adversaries.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 22 May 2015 08:48

Bade wrote:I was more concerned that even a towed array sonar, required TOT. Something is not right. Did not NPOL have these technologies in place already ?

State of the art towed array sonars are at the peak of the so called sonar mountain. They are at the lowest frequency range and are to outperform existing hull mounted sonars by a significant margin. That's a tough yardstick to meet.
No agency in India has the production standard tech, Naval trials cleared for it yet. Nagan project started for the program by NPOL ended up as a TD but gave a lot of useful insight.
The follow on program is the ATLAS which is now in trials.
A handful of firms make worldclass towed array sonars. A few in Europe and the US.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 22 May 2015 08:51

LOL@the usual suspect who else engaging in FUD against HSL because the prior report mentioned the Russians played a role in the delay. Something's seriously wrong with the mind-set.

kmkraoind · Post by **kmkraoind** » 22 May 2015 08:54

Karan M wrote:LOL@the usual suspect who else engaging in FUD against HSL because the prior report mentioned the Russians played a role in the delay. Something's seriously wrong with the mind-set.

Russian engineers need an excuse to come to HSL, Vizag in large numbers and Kilo refit was that excuse. When Arihant is doing great on sea trails, suddenly the 9-year refit process of Kilo is also over.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 22 May 2015 10:07

Yup..Keeping that sub in perpetual refit was a nice way to scuttle local industrial capability to refit the subs and also make a ton of money in the process. And then we have our modern day Rai Bahadur talking up the East India company and blaming the dutty brown Indians for not understanding how great company Bahadur was.

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 22 May 2015 10:53

I am not sure what kind of upgrade HSL did on the Kilo , All Kilo refit at Sevmash got new Indian Sonar , CIC , Klub missile , ESM and other big/small bells and whistle.

What capability did Kilo refit at HSL get ?

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 22 May 2015 11:05

Where is an upgrade mentioned in the article - because Refit is usually overhaul and repair/refurbishment.

However, since the sonar, ESM & even the software CMS IIRC were Indian & made at BEL, its possible for the sub to get it.

kit · Post by **kit** » 22 May 2015 11:39

Philip wrote:Yes,in the proposed shallow water ASW corvettes,it is stated that sonars for bhumm ans TAS aren't available in India. Not quite correct as HUMVAD,etc have been fitted onto warships and even sub sonars for refitted Kilos.

Good news,the Sindhukirit is back with us after the longest ever kilo refit at HSL.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/a ... 230833.ece
May 21, 2015
INS Sindhukirti submarine begins voyage after retrofitting at Vizag.

Santosh Patnaik

INS Sindhukirti, seventh Sindhughosh-class submarine of Indian Navy, before undertaking sea trials on Thursday at Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam. Photo: By Arrangement

Soviet Union-built submarine was commissioned on January 4, 1990. The cost of the retrofitting project at HSL is estimated at around Rs.700 crore.

The sea trial of Russia-made INS Sindhukirti, the seventh Sindhughosh class diesel electric submarine of Indian Navy, was launched after successful completion of retrofitting at Hindustan Shipyard Limited here on Thursday.

“Today is a red-letter day in our history as retrofitting involved a complex process -- a more difficult process than building a new submarine. Our workforce deserved credit for completing the Herculean task adhering to stringent quality standards stipulated by the Navy,” Rear Admiral N.K. Mishra told The Hindu.

The HSL, the premier shipyard of the country set up in 1941 had earlier completed retrofitting of two submarines belonging to Egyptian naval forces and INS Vagli.

“This was the biggest-ever repair of a submarine undertaken in any shipyard in the country proving our capability to take up orders to construct generation next Greenfield submarines,” Mr. Mishra said.

The INS Sindhukirti was built at Admirality Shipyard and Sevmash in the erstwhile Soviet Union and commissioned on January 4, 1990. The cost of the retrofitting project is estimated at around Rs.700 crore to Rs.800 crore.

The delayed completion of the submarine is attributed to insistence by the Russians to source electrodes and several parts from their country including change of mainline cables in 2011, according to sources.

(*no totally accurate,the IN was earlier livid with HSL for dismantling the sub and its inability to put it back ,refitted.)

The HSL also had to undertake dredging after undocking it on November 4 due to accumulation of sand in its area reducing the draft from seven to four metres under the influence of Cyclone Hudhud, which battered the industries of Visakhapatnam on October 12, 2014.
Earlier reports.
http://www.sunday-guardian.com/investig ... rine-rusts
Shipyard delays REFIT, Submarine rusts

‘The effective life of a submarine is around 30 years. It’s criminal if 1/3 of that is spent in dry dock for one refit.’

VISHAL THAPAR New Delhi | 15th Mar 2014
INS Sindhukirti is seen rusting away at the Hindustan Shipyard.

n Indian Navy submarine is sitting in dry dock for eight years, rusting away while it awaits repair and upgrade. The Indian Navy sent the Kilo-class submarine, INS Sindhukirti to Vizag's Hindustan Shipyard in 2006 for a refit. Eight years later, the government shipyard is yet to finish the repair work, even as the submarine lies stripped and opened up. The mid-life refit involves repair of the submarine's outer hull and replacement of equipment like sonars, sensors, operations and fire control systems and machinery.

Around Rs 1,000 crore have been released by the Indian Navy for this upgrade. The Hindustan Shipyard has promised to complete the work by 2015, but not many in the Navy believe that it can meet this deadline. Similar mid-life refits of six other Kilo-class submarines have been done by a Russian shipyard in 24 to 28 months at roughly the same cost.

"The effective life of a submarine is around 30 years. It's criminal if one-third of this life is spent in dry dock for just one refit," a senior Navy officer lamented.

The Sindhukirti refit was awarded to the Hindustan Shipyard with the lofty objective of developing indigenous capability. But what made the choice of HSL bizarre was that it had not produced any warship, and the only time it had taken on a military refit project was for the Foxtrot class submarines. It delayed that refit as well.

The Navy believes that the HSL does not have the experience and competence to upgrade the Kilo class submarine. "They were never capable of doing it. The government has been supporting this out-of-work shipyard at the cost of operational readiness and national security," thundered a naval officer. He described the near-decade old delay in getting just one refit as "unacceptable".

The Russians deployed a 200-strong workforce round-the-clock to achieve the mid-life refits of the six Kilo-class submarines in about 24 months. HSL has not shown any such urgency and is proceeding at a glacial pace.

The Navy desperately requires to make up submarine numbers, particularly so after the loss of one submarine, the Sindhurakshak, in the 14 August 2013 explosion, and the temporary unavailability of the Sindhuratna following the fatal onboard fire on 26 February 2014. But the submarine force levels are in free fall due to obsolescence and accidents. India needs at least 18 conventional submarines. But at the moment, the Navy displays only nine Soviet-origin Kilo class conventional submarines. It shows another four German HDWs and one Akula-class nuclear powered submarine on lease from Russia. India has not added a single new conventional submarine in the last 14 years.

In a recent report, the Comptroller and Auditor General concluded that the age of the platforms and proportional increase in time for repairs further reduces operational availability of these submarines to under 50%.

What makes the picture even gloomier is the planned phase-out of the Kilo class submarines from 2014-15.

Even before the recent submarine accidents, the Navy had sent out an SOS to the government, warning that submarine force levels would be down to five conventional and one nuclear vessel by 2015 due to planned phase-out due for obsolescence and wear-and-tear.

The six Scorpene replacements, which were approved in 2003, will not begin arriving before 2016. Another line of submarines under Project 75 (I), which was approved in 2006, has still not been tendered. The government approved in 1999 a 30-year programme to build 24 submarines. But not one has arrived yet.

"Without urgent attention, India could prospectively experience its neighbourhood by a large number of SSNs (nuclear submarines). As of now, as per reports, the process has already begun to test waters far away from home bases for the PLAN (Chinese Navy), and this is a matter of grave operational concern that requires urgent proactive measures," says the Indian Navy in a note to the government, warning that any space vacated by India in its own backyard due to erosion of critical capability could be occupied by adversaries.

wasnt this submarine said to have been taken apart for "studying" / reverse engineering ..guess some learning part was involved !!

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 22 May 2015 14:45

Karan M wrote:Where is an upgrade mentioned in the article - because Refit is usually overhaul and repair/refurbishment.

However, since the sonar, ESM & even the software CMS IIRC were Indian & made at BEL, its possible for the sub to get it.

I mean they call that Refit or Upgrade its the same , Considering the time they took to do it.

What these refit involves is anybodys guess , there is no official word on sonar . esm or klub upgrade.

Vipul · Post by **Vipul** » 22 May 2015 15:13

As usual the resident Russian apologist is trying to blame India for Russian misdeeds.

For over eight years, as Hindustan Shipyard Ltd (HSL), Visakhapatnam, has struggled to overhaul one of the navy's Kilo-class submarines - INS Sindhukirti - critics have flayed the shipyard for depriving the navy of a critical warship. HSL has never publicly explained the delay.

Yet, Business Standard found, during a detailed tour of HSL, that the delay has little to do with inefficiency or incompetence. Instead, much of the blame rests with a loosely framed contract with Moscow that has allowed Russian "experts" to incrementally extend the work to be done on the Sindhukirti, in one case to 13 times what was required for overhauling an Indian submarine in Russia.

The Russians who have worked at HSL since 2006, overseeing Sindhukirti's "modernisation-cum-refit" knew they were assisting a competitor. HSL's success would disrupt the lucrative flow of Indian submarines to Zvezdochka shipyard in Russia, which had long overhauled them for hundreds of crore rupees each.

"INS Sindhukirti will complete its refit by March 31, when it will rejoin the navy fleet. But the experience of overhauling this submarine holds major lessons for Indian shipyards," says HSL chairman, Rear Admiral N K Mishra (retired).

An overhaul, or refit, conducted every 10 to 15 years, extends a submarine's life by repairing its hull and modernising its combat capability. It involves examining, repairing and even replacing parts of the hull (two hulls in the Kilo-class, an inner "pressure hull" and an outer hull); replacing worn-out cabling; and replacing or upgrading major weapons, sensors and communication systems.

Business Standard has compared the work that Russian "experts" at HSL ordered on the Sindhukirti, with that done on two submarines earlier - INS Sindhughosh, refitted in Russia; and INS Sindhudhvaj, refitted in the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam . In each work category, the Sindhukirti has required several times the work done on the Sindhughosh and Sindhudhvaj.

Tellingly, this was not anticipated in the preliminary work estimation, which was in line with earlier refit experiences. Shipyard workers recount (and the figures endorse) that the work only ballooned after it began, with Russian overseers repeatedly ordering work extensions.

The "pressure hull build up" - in which pits on the hull surface are filled with metal -doubled. So did the "frame renewal", or replacement of the metal framework that supports the hull. The grinding work expanded almost threefold. The time-consuming and costly work of replacing entire hull plates went up 13-fold from what the Sindhughosh required in Russia. The conning tower, which was only repaired in earlier refits, had to be entirely rebuilt.

There are only two possible explanations: Either INS Sindhukirti, which the navy operated exactly like its other Kilo-class submarines, inexplicably underwent exceptional wear and tear; or else Russian experts ordered needless work extensions, for their own reasons. Senior navy officials say the former is unlikely.

Contacted for comments, the defence section of the Russian Embassy in Delhi has not responded (but ofcourse).

Furthermore, INS Sindhukirti's refit involved extensive modernisation. Like the Sindhughosh and Sindhudvaj, its torpedo tubes were modified to fire Klub missiles against surface targets. Unlike them, it also got a new MCA inertial navigation suite, a Palady nerve system, and a Pirit ship control console. Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) installed indigenous Ushus sonar and upgraded communications. As the submarine was being reassembled, Russian overseers ordered a time-consuming replacement of all the main-line cabling.

"When Russia overhauls a submarine, the work package is frozen at the time the contract is signed. But we had no experience of framing a contract. We allowed the Russians to indefinitely increase the work required, which kept expanding," recounts Commodore Ashok Bhal (retired), director of the Sindhukirti refit.

Russia has historically taken two and a half years or more to refit a Kilo-class submarine. The Sindhukirti will have taken three-and-a-half times longer, with its expanded work package and a series of major modifications and upgrades. Time has also been expended in developing worker skills. It is today the only Indian shipyard that has actually refitted a Kilo-class submarine.

Even so, the shipyard has been denied any role in overhauling six Indian Navy submarines, a Rs 4,800-crore project that the defence ministry cleared on Friday. Two of these will go to Russia, while four are overhauled in India - two in Mazagon Dock Ltd (MDL), Mumbai, and two at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.

HSL has been left out even though the shipyard was transferred in 2010 from the ministry of shipping to the ministry of defence, on the grounds that it would be central to the construction and overhaul of submarines.

Senior admirals lament the wastage of skills and experience. Former navy chief, Admiral Sureesh Mehta, points to how MDL developed submarines skills while building two vessels under licence from HDW of Germany. After allegations of bribery surfaced, HDW was blacklisted and construction of submarines in MDL halted. With the gradual dissipation of worker skills, the Scorpene construction project required skills to be developed afresh.

"The skills we have developed cannot be allowed to be wasted away", says Mishra, the HSL chief.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 22 May 2015 16:00

Sure,typical of our desi DPSUs,when they can't deliver,blame someone else. Let's look at the IJT,BTT,even the LCA-no Russian milware there!

If one examines the SKiriti issue ,with no bias,as the IN has said,the refit was given to HSL which had NO track record of manufacturing or refitting a sub. How long did it take MDL to build just 2 German U-boats,with the full collaboration of HDW,after the first 2 were built abroad ? 8 and 5 years respectively. I had a recent discussion with an admiral v,familiar with our sub programme.The entire infrastructure for the U-boats was sold as scrap and the skilled manpower sailed off into the sunset.The Germans were appalled at our profligacy.But then the yards belong to "Mr.Nobody",the Indian taxpayer. Who cares a damn about results? Who questions those in charge,barring the services from time to time? But then who has in the past really listened to them? For instance,who heard the cries of the IAF-3 decades to evaluate and decide to buy an AJT.Some track record!

The SKiriti exercise was not intended as a plan for HSL to acquire the knowhow of how to build/repair/refit a Kilo class sub on its own by using the SKirti like a cadaver in Med school! It was meant to refit the sub as fast as it could be done in Russia and perhaps cheaper too. As for blaming the Russians? The ATV sub programme would not be where it is without their assistance. Which other nation has offered to help us with an N-sub reactor,or building an SSBN?

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 22 May 2015 16:09

Oh the Russians are totally blameless and all the blame goes to the Indians.

What about Vikramditya, refit. What about every other deal over the last 20 years, where the Russians have charged more money then they signed the contract for.

Keeping in view the above, it is perfectly reasonable to accept that the Russians acted the way they did.

The few deals where the Russians delivered as intended were the ones they had no control over the end product. Else, it was all one big con. But you can't see that.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 22 May 2015 16:25

And nobody else did.The French actually gave us discounts on the Scorpenes,delivered them years earlier,the Brits sold us the Hawks without any spares,eqpt. problems,the Jalashwa/Trenton did not kill sailors cleaning out a tank and the Sikorsky helos that came with it were spanking new-have never given us a single problem either!

Your accusations are based upon assumptions and not hard facts. Each project/deal must be examined on its own merit,Generalities like "they must have because..." are juvenile arguments and specious in this case. By the same yardstick of the Scorpene experience,one can now accuse the French in advance of problems "that will come..." with the Rafale! Oh by the way,did the Israelis delay with the Barak-8 or did they deliver it to us ahead of time? What were the official reasons for the delay?

Israel is one of the largest defence suppliers to India, notching sales worth around $1 billion every year. But the long delay in the around Rs 13,000 crore development of two advanced SAM systems — one to arm Indian warships and the other for air defence squadrons of IAF — has meant that new warships like aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya and indigenous destroyer INS Kolkata remain naked in terms of having an effective missile defence shield.

"The multi-function surveillance and threat radars, weapon control systems with data links and the like of the LR-SAM had been tested earlier. The wait was for the hot tests of the missile," said an official.

"The technological challenge of combustion instability of the rocket motors took a long time to surmount. The induction of the two SAM systems can now begin from 2016 onwards. They are to be produced in bulk by defence PSU Bharat Dynamics," he added.

http://www.business-standard.com/articl ... 013_1.html
Delayed Projects of DRDO
As on date, there are 294 on-going projects (cost >Rs.2 Crore each) in Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Delhi December 9, 2014

As on date, there are 294 on-going projects (cost >Rs.2 Crore each) in Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The details of these projects are given below:-

Mission Mode (MM) - 60

Technology Development (TD) - 144

Science & Technology (S&T) - 62

Product Support (PS) - 5

Infrastructure & Facilities (IF) - 23
Some of the ongoing projects are delayed due to the following reasons:-

Ab-initio development of state-of-the-art technologies.
Technical / technological complexities.
Non-availability of infrastructure / test facilities in the country.
Non-availability of critical components / equipment / materials in the country and denial of technologies by the technologically advanced countries.
Failure of some of the components during trials / testing.
Increase in the scope of work during developmental phase.

The following steps have been taken for timely completion of ongoing projects:-

Consortium approach is being used for design, development and fabrication of critical components.
Three-tier project monitoring approach has been instituted in the major projects/ programmes.
Project Monitoring Review Committee (PMRC) and Project Appraisal and Review Committee (PARC) meetings are held regularly to monitor the progress of ongoing projects / programmes.
Concurrent engineering approach has been adopted in technology intensive projects to minimize time-lag between development and productionisation of the systems.
Information Technology and modern management techniques are being applied.
Encouraging joint funding by users to ensure their commitment towards earliest completion.
Promoting synergy and better co-ordination among User Services, DRDO and production agencies through cluster meetings.

Contd.2/-
-2-
During the last three years (2011-2013) and current year (2014), DRDO has successfully completed 45 projects (cost>Rs.2 Crore each).

Government had constituted an Independent Review Committee headed by Dr. P Rama Rao to improve the functioning of DRDO. DRDO has implemented the following recommendations of the Committee within DRDOs powers to expedite its on-going projects:-

Nomination of Nodal Officers for structured interaction between DRDO and Services.
Introduction of Integrated Financial Advice (IFA) Scheme for financial decentralization.
Appointment of a dedicated Chief Controller for Human Resources (HR).
Creation of Seven Technology Domain based Clusters headed by Directors General, Restructuring of DRDO HQrs, Creation of Directorate of Systems Analysis and Modelling (SAM) and Directorate of Quality, Reliability and Safety (QR&S).
Increase in budget for Extramural Research.

DRDO is involved in the development of technologies / systems primarily for Armed Forces. However, some of the weapons / systems developed for Armed Forces are being utilized by various Government agencies, like State Police, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), etc.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar in a written reply to Shri Mansukh L Mandaviya in Rajya Sabha today.

And by the way,Reliance is now jumping into the sea wanting to build the N-subs,with a .....Russian partner!
http://www.defenseworld.net/news/13002/ ... V8M2cuJhjo

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 22 May 2015 16:27

Reliance Scouts For International JV Eyeing India's $15 Billion Submarine Manufacturing Bid

Source : Our Bureau ~ Dated : Friday, May 22, 2015

Eyeing the Indian MOD's US $15.7 billion (INR 1 trillion) plan for manufacturing six nuclear-powered submarines and seven stealth warships, Indian conglomerate, Reliance Infrastructure is scouting for an international partner in Russia.

Reliance Infrastructure which has 18 per cent stake in Pipavav Defense and Offshore Engineering, India’s largest defense shipyard to manufacture warships has floated three subsidiaries, Reliance Defense Systems, Reliance Defense Technologies and Reliance Defense & Aerospace in a move to pursue opportunities in the defense sector.

Reliance executives are expected to meet Russian defense minister Sergey Shoigu in Moscow this week to identify a potential Russian JV partner with technology expertise for manufacturing warships in India, Economic Times quoted an unnamed source aware of the discussions as saying on Friday.

The JV may involve one of the defense subsidiaries of Reliance Infrastructure, the person cited above said.

Reliance will be pitching for the centre’s US $9.4 billion (INR60000 Crore) defense contract for locally manufacturing six nuclear submarines.

“We are deeply committed to investments in the defense sector and the PM’s Make In India program,” a Reliance group spokesman was quoted as saying in an email response to ET.

The Russian government declined to share specifics but said it is open to talks with Indian partners. “The Russian side is open to negotiations with Indian partners on various projects, including cooperation and JV to manufacture modern defense equipment,” SV Karmalito, senior counselor in the Russian embassy, said in an emailed response to ET’s queries.

Vipul · Post by **Vipul** » 22 May 2015 16:28

Such lame excuses. Remember the Gosrshkov saga. The same russian modus operandi of creeping additional work and price jacking upto 400%.
Let me not get started on the Russian machinations on T-90, not giving the TOT for the barrel (Outdated technology in any case).

Vipul · Post by **Vipul** » 22 May 2015 16:32

Reliance should know better then to court the Russians. In any case India needs to move away from Russian Junk. Our Dependence on them in the future should only be limited to FGFA (if at all).

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 22 May 2015 16:44

Blame the Israelis,DRDO not to blame!

Delays hit Indo-Israel anti-missile systems; Army, Air Force vulnerable
By Manu Pubby, ET Bureau | 22 Apr, 2015,

Read more at:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/art ... aign=cppst

NEW DELHI: The forced cannibalisation of an old warship to provide a much-needed air defence system for India's flagship aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya is a glaring example of the massive delays that have hit Indo-Israeli missile projects, leaving the armed forces vulnerable and scouting for options.

The problems run deeper, with other platforms of the navy and the air force, too, suffering from a lack of air cover due to delays in missile developmental projects.

A Rs 2,600 crore project between Israel and the Defence Research & Development Organisation to develop a long-range surface-to-air missile ( LRSAM) system is behind schedule by almost four years, leaving the navy's primary warship a virtual sitting duck for aerial attacks. The system was to have been ready by 2012 and fitted on board the Vikramaditya as its only defence against air assaults.

Another larger, Rs 10,000 crore medium-range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM) project signed in 2006 in collaboration with DRDO was to have been ready for the air force by the end of last year. This, too, has been plagued by delays, including a failed missile test that has now pushed the project back by at least three years.

The air force is likely to get the system only by 2017, leaving gaping holes in its defence cover that currently relies mainly on obsolete Russian systems.

The blame game for the delays is on, with both sides holding each other responsible for slackness or lack of dedicated commitment. While the Israeli position has been that the systems and parts being supplied by DRDO do not meet quality standards, DRDO contends the developers in Israel promised more than they could deliver. A senior DRDO official said that "all efforts are on to expedite the projects to fulfill the need of the services at the earliest."

Earlier report .
India’s biggest military project with Israel under scrutiny
Josy Joseph, TNN | Apr 23, 2013,
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/indi ... 688503.cms

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 22 May 2015 17:03

LOL, even Rosoboronexport doesn't shill for Russia as this "member" does.

Vipul · Post by **Vipul** » 22 May 2015 17:11

Atleast in case of other countries after the delay we are getting state of the art equipment not outdated junk fitted with Chinese tiles and asbestos!!! Russians are better off giving their smoking engine planes to China to reverse engineer

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 22 May 2015 17:17

Yes,it sailed all the way from the Arctic to India and served the IN without a problem for over a year.
Amazing how some are totally blind to other western suppliers who have defaulted and see not a single flaw in the DRDO/DPSU!

Ck out this extensive report on the entire saga of the Vik-A acquisition.Some new info not available before. V. good pics too.
http://world-defece-review.blogspot.in/ ... ditya.html

INS Vikramaditya completes a year with the Indian Navy
November 25, 2014 Alexander Yemelyanenkov,
http://www.bing.com/search?q=vikramadit ... HP&PC=MSSH
In one year, the Indian Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier spent a total of 220 days at sea and its aircraft have carried out 240 takeoffs and landings

Vikramaditya marks a year of service in the Indian Navy. Source: Sevmash press service.
It’s been over a year since the INS Vikramaditya was handed over to the Indian Navy.

Recently, specialists from Rosoboronexport and Russian equipment suppliers inspected the flagship Indian aircraft carrier as a part of the warranty agreement.

According to Sergey Marichev, Deputy Director General of the defense shipyard Sevmash, where the carrier has been substantially re-born, the Indian Navy has been using the ship intensively for the entire year. It spent more than 220 days at sea. “And that's more than the aircraft carrier spent in the Northern Seas on factory tests in two years,” the Severodvinsk shipyard said in a press note.

Since the official transfer of Vikramaditya, several Indian leaders have the visited the ship, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the presence of distinguished guests, and in a conventional setting, the MiG-26 K/KUBs have carried out 240 takeoffs and landings. As a result, the Indian pilots under the supervision of the MiG Corp completed the entire training program, including the preparation for independent night flights.

During the whole time, the aircraft carrier had aboard a guarantee group of Sevmash specialists, who provided technical advice when needed and responded promptly to one or the other difficulty related to operating systems and mechanisms. The one-year warranty service expired on November 16th. But even before the expiration, the Indian side expressed the desire to extend the business relationship with the Russian shipyard and to agree on the service support for the aircraft carrier for its entire life cycle, which is at least 20 years.

Russian shipbuilders and representatives of the Indian Defence Ministry are meeting in New Delhi this week to discuss the details of the carrier's after-sales service. And in late November, Vikramaditya will be put to sea again in order to continue flying aircraft in low visibility conditions.

Remembering Admiral Gorshkov

At sea, the Indian sailors and the airmen of the carrier-based aircraft will be accompanied by a Russian friend.

Before the ship was sent to its current post of service, on one of its decks the craftsmen of Sevmash constructed a museum cabin, with exhibits that describe the design, the construction and the military service of the ship as part of the Soviet Navy, followed by the transformation of the cruiser into a modern aircraft carrier.

In the centre of the memorial exhibition, next to the St. Andrew's flag and the banner of the Russian Navy, there is a recognizable bust of Admiral Gorshkov. “In India, he is remembered and respected,” said Commodore Suraj Berry. “That's why we gladly accepted such a gift to the crew and we will look after it.”

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 22 May 2015 17:22

More Details on Upgrade , Looks similar to the other Kilo upgrade done at Sevmash

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vis ... 233200.ece

This was the biggest-ever repair of a submarine undertaken in any shipyard in the country proving our capability to take up orders to construct generation next Greenfield submarines,” Mr. Mishra said.

The submarine was fitted with indigenous advanced sonar suite USHUS and communication suite CCS Mk-II from Bharat Electronics, upgraded AC plants from KPCL, 400 bar HP air compressor from Burkhadt India, apart from Russian supplied weapon and navigational package. During the refit, nearly 100 km of cabling and 30 km of mostly high pressure piping was renewed, thereby making this the most advanced platform ever to be undertaken in an Indian yard.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 22 May 2015 17:36

There's going to be a really intensive competition for the P-75I order from both DPSU and pvt. shipyards. The latest news posted about Reliance also getting into the sub building contest (for N-subs though) is adding more interest in the race.

tsarkar · Post by **tsarkar** » 22 May 2015 17:43

NPOL develops and BEL produces all our Hull Mounted sonars. HUMSA & HUMSA-NG (Hull Mounted Sonar Array - New Generation) is the current fit of all IN ships. INS Kamorta & INS Vishakhapatnam will be the first ships with bow mounted sonars.

A smaller hull mounted sonar has been retrofitted to the damaged INS Agray, and will be fitted to 16 ASW craft under development.

Similarly, USHUS bow sonars are retrofitted to all EKM class submarines and INS Arihant & other nuclear submarines. Performance is far superior to older Russian sonars.

Towed Array Sonars were imported from Atlas Elektronik after the Nagan project did not live up to expectations, and a new project ALTAS (Advanced Low Frequency Towed Array Sonar) has been initiated.

Good to see our Maz's reporting in Janes on INS Kaveratti's launch, and the confirmation that Barak-1 systems from decommissioned Viraat, Godavari & Ranvir classes will be fitted to Kamorta class.

Six Barak-1 systems will be available this decade as these ships decommission, and will be probably fitted to INS Vikramaditya, INS Mumbai and the four Kamorta corvettes.

The Admiral Gorshkov was insistent India keep its Soviet ships separate from British ones, and visited Vizag when it was being developed to house the Soviet supplied ships. The intent of Sindhukirti refit was to develop infrastructure at HSL to refit EKM submarines. Sending ships to Russia for refits is an expensive & time consuming option.

Infact, indigenous shipbuilding program started because of the inconvenience of sending Indian ships abroad for refits, when Western & Soviet yards were busy refitting their own ships at the height of cold war and gave low priority to Indian ships.

The Soviets were very cooperative earlier, with refits to Durg & Petya class corvettes and Kashin class destroyers being done in India.

Off topic - The Soviets also promoted gender equality, so we first saw women shipyard workers for the first time in these Soviet teams. Indian, British, French & Italian women also participated in our programs, but as engineers & managers, and not workers. These women were extremely tough, yet ever smiling & uncomplaining, and I remember an incident of despite suffering terribly from the Indian summer heat, these ladies diligently training our dockyard workers in welding. They were also very dedicated to their jobs, and made multiple iterations until their pupils got it right. They also made their own sandwiches for lunch from tinned meat, since Indian food was too spicy for them!

Vipul · Post by **Vipul** » 22 May 2015 17:58

Ha Ha a 40000 ton ship makes a long Voyage and that is brandished as an achievement. Check this about Russian Junk.

India defence minister admits Su-30 serviceability issues

The IAF operates 200 Su-30MKIs, but of these only 110 or 55% were operationally available due to poor serviceability, Parrikar said, adding that this would increase to 70% by the end of 2015.

My last post on this thread and can take this to the relevant thread.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 22 May 2015 19:02

TSarkar,

>>Towed Array Sonars were imported from Atlas Elektronik after the Nagan project did not live up to expectations, and a new project ALTAS (Advanced Low Frequency Towed Array Sonar) has been initiated.

The report says 6 German sonars ordered, 10 more, 20 more required. If ALTAS which is in trials manages to match the German units that is a potential order of 20 units. Its all up to NPOL now.

Lisa · Post by **Lisa** » 22 May 2015 19:18

Philip wrote: In one year, the Indian Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier spent a total of 220 days at sea and its aircraft have carried out 240 takeoffs and landings

Does that mean that there was ballpark ONE take and landing per day. Is this normal?

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 22 May 2015 19:21

Its better than expected given how pathetic the MiG-29k situation is. Another example of how MiG has delivered a turkey to India while the resident Russian-PR-bandwagon-run down Indian orgs character wants India to buy more MiGs. Thankfully Sukhoi while lackadaisical about spares is improving in that respect and is not as crooked.