Indian Naval Discussion

arun · Post by **arun** » 28 Nov 2010 20:32

The Indian Navy has put out an RFI for the import of twin water jet propelled Landing Craft Mechanised (LCM). Specs as follows.

Dimensions:
(a) Length Not more than 23 m
(b) Beam Not more than 6.3 m
(c) Draught not to exceed 1.6 m in full load condition.
(d) Displacement as per design.
(e) Height from keel to top of pilot house is not to exceed 5 m.
(f) Dimensions of cargo well should not be less than 13.7 m in length and 4.9 m in breadth.

Speed:
(a) Maximum speed of 15 kts in fully laden condition upto Sea State 3.
(b) Economical speed of 12 kt.

Endurance (six months out of dock):
200 nm at full loading condition at Economical speed.

Sea Worthiness:
(a) Operations up to Sea State 3
(b) Survive in fully loaded condition upto Sea State 5.

Clicky

arun · Post by **arun** » 28 Nov 2010 20:44

The Indian Navy has put out a RFI for a Ship-board Point Defence Missile System (PDMS).

Excerpt from the RFI:

INDIAN NAVY IS CONSIDERING INDUCTION OF A SAM SYSTEM, AS PDMS, FOR SHIPS UPTO 7000 TONS. THE BROAD QUALITATIVE REQUIREMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:-

(A) VERTICAL LAUNCH GUIDED SAM.
(B) RANGE OF MISSILE ABOVE 10 KM.
(C) CAPABLE OF ENGAGING SEA SKIMMING TARGETS.
(D) CAPABILITY TO ENGAGE MULTIPLE TARGETS.
(E) CAPABILITY TO BE INTERFACED WITH 2D/ 3D OR PHASED ARRAY RADARS.
(F) SHELF LIFE OF MISSILE > 8 YRS.
(G) TARGET DESIGNATION FROM RADAR/ CMS.
(H) CAPABLE OF ENGAGING SUB SONIC AND SUPERSONIC TARGETS.
INDICATE ENGAGEMENT ENVELOPE.

Clicky

Juggi G · Post by **Juggi G** » 28 Nov 2010 21:24

PHOTO : Rare shot of 4 Indian Navy Tu-142Ms Flying in Formation

rohitvats · Post by **rohitvats** » 28 Nov 2010 22:18

^^^That photo has been possibly taken from a picture/frame hanging in one of the establishments of the IN. As per discussion with someone in know of TU-142M, that pic was taken over Arakkonam when the Squadron was established with Bears...it seems there exists another with 6 Bears in one frame.

b_patel · Post by **b_patel** » 29 Nov 2010 01:58

I very well understand the logic my friend but was looking for a verifiable source. I will only be too pleased with the development..

Here's the only verifiable source i could find. Its a report from janes, so its at least legit. I found it on Key Pubs. I don't have any report comparing it to the likes of UK's Sampson or the new SPY-3, but from the report it seems very capable and its going to be the mainstay of Israel's surface fleet so I wouldn't be surprised it if its similar to the Sampson radar. It lacks in tracking range though compared to the Sampson (400km). I would assume that the Kolkata's MF-Star would have a longer tracking range compared to the Israeli corvettes due to the larger antenna aperture size.

Janes:
Elta Systems begins building MF-STAR model

Richard Scott

Israel Aircraft Industries' (IAI's) Elta Systems group has begun building a single-face engineering development model of its new EL/M-2248 MF-STAR active array multifunction radar, with first transmission tests expected by the end of 2006.

Developed from core technology employed in the EL/M- 2080 'Green Pine' ground-based L-band active array radar, MF-STAR is entering advanced engineering development for the Israel Navy. Senior naval sources told Jane's that the service has identified the system as its preferred surveillance, tracking and guidance radar for its projected next-generation surface combatant; it is also being proposed for the mid-life modernisation of the Israel Navy's three existing Saar 5 corvettes.

Elta began privately funded development of the EL/M-2248 in 2000, leveraging experience in solid-state active array radar accrued from the 'Green Pine' programme and earlier experience from the Phalcon airborne early warning sensor.

Operating in the E/F-band, MF-STAR uses four fixed-array faces based on a modular tile array architecture (each tile containing 16 Gallium Arsenide transmit/receive modules) to allow for scaleability in the size of the antenna aperture.

Liquid cooling is used to dissipate heat at the array.

According to Elta, MF-STAR uses pulse Doppler techniques, multiple beam forming and advanced high-PRF waveforms to extract stressing, low radar cross section threats even in conditions of heavy jamming and dense clutter. Key functionalities include three-dimensional volume search, missile horizon search, multi-target tracking, surface surveillance, helicopter detection, gunnery control and splash spotting.

According to Elta, MF-STAR is able to initiate tracks against sea-skimming missiles at ranges in excess of 25 km, and out to more than 250 km for a high-flying combat aircraft. EL/M-2248 is also able to provide mid-course guidance for active or semi-active anti-aircraft missiles, and can slave illuminators for semi-active guided missiles.

Weight reduction has been a key driver in the MF-STAR engineering programme. Array faces are scaleable according to performance requirements and platform constraints: a typical 3x3 m array weighs approximately 1,500 kg.

Inboard equipment is installed in six cabinets; two for processing and four for the power supply. Total below decks weight is 900 kg.

Although Elta declined to comment on customer or contractual issues, senior Israel Navy sources have made clear that the EL/M-2248 is the service's preferred multifunction radar for its projected next-generation surface combatant.

Lockheed Martin recently commenced a nine-month study, awarded by the US Navy under a USD5.2 million Foreign Military Sales contract, to study adapting the company's Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) design for the Israel Navy. This work will appraise how Lockheed Martin's existing LCS hull, mechanical and electrical systems could be modified to accept the Israel Navy's selected combat systems.

Israel Navy sources have also indicated that the MF-STAR is intended to provide surveillance, tracking and missile-guidance support for the new Barak-8 area defence missile system. Barak-8 is intended to equip the next-generation surface combatant, and will also be retrofitted to three existing Saar 5 corvettes.

Developed by IAI MBT Systems and Space Technology in association with Elta and Rafael, Israel's Armament Development Authority, the extended-range Barak-8 active radar homing missile will offer a maximum range of 70 km to 80 km.

According to the Israel Navy, Barak-8 will be compatible with the Lockheed Martin Mk 41 tactical-length vertical launcher system. After launch, the missile will initially receive mid-course guidance updates from the MF-STAR radar.

During the terminal phase, the missile will fire a second motor and activate its active radar seeker to home on to the target.

IAI and India's Defence Research and Development Organisation concluded a deal to jointly develop Barak-8 in New Delhi on 27 January 2006, after almost two years of negotiations.

The joint development programme is valued at about USD330 million, to be split equally between the two countries. Reports from Delhi suggest that Barak-8 and the EL/M-2248 radar will be fitted to the Indian Navy's new Project 15A destroyers.

wig · Post by **wig** » 29 Nov 2010 09:23

deliver of the Russian nuclear fuel propelled submarine Nerpa is likely to be delayed further due to inadequate training imparted to indian navy crew personnel as per this report in the tribune published from chandigarh

India’s quest to operate a nuclear submarine for its strategic needs has met with yet another hurdle. The much-awaited Akula-II class, 8,140 tonne Nerpa attack submarine from Russia, will not meet its year-end schedule of delivery to the Indian Navy.

Sources said the Navy, as of now, has refused to accept the submarine from its Russian counterparts citing inadequate training for its teams to operate the vessel. The submarine is to be leased by Russia for 10 years under a $650-million pact signed in January 2004.

The Indian naval teams do not have enough under-sea operating experience on board the nuclear-powered Nerpa, hence the Russians have been told to provide more hours of training, sources confirmed to The Tribune. The training of the Navy teams has been going on for the past one year but the top brass is “not satisfied” with the operational ability that has been acquired so far. This training will take some five months to complete, which means a new delivery deadline of March 2011 has been fixed

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20101129/main6.htm

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 29 Nov 2010 09:33

with Barak-8 slated for all our new ships, wansnt it a given that MF-STAR variant would be purchased to work with it? the IN DDGs can generate more power internally and provide more space for large faced antenna, so limitations of IDF FFGs and corvettes do not apply. we need the biggest stick we can get.

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 29 Nov 2010 09:41

If the delay in dilivery is due to Inadequate training of the crew & if the information is accurate. Then that IMO is not really a major problem.

The major problem would have been if the boat it self was incomplete in some respects.

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 29 Nov 2010 11:12

sunny y wrote:Here is the link for Samundar Ke Sikandar
Viraat puraana hai par kamzor nahi

http://www.ndtv.com/video/player/ndtv-s ... ory/178284

AWESOME show...Missing it is unpardonable
I hope our military becomes more media savvy. We need more such shows to instill confidence in our people.

Rahul ji it was hosted by Rajeev Ranjan

Watched the programme, Saw all the aircraft types operated by Virat. One that was conspicus by its absence was the Ka 31 AEW. Was it not shown due to security reasons or the virat actually dosenot carry any one of them.

K_Rohit · Post by **K_Rohit** » 30 Nov 2010 01:20

X- post

K_Rohit wrote:
SagarP wrote:http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pho ... 0347202086

Sorry I am unable to format it but nice Album.
This is one of the finest set of pics that I have seen of the Indian Navy. The pics of the sub line up and the SHAR formations are mind blowing!! Must see.

BTW, 5 SHARs on Viraat and 3-4 seem to be LUSH variants- 614,616 and 617 identifiable (lighter grey noses), 602 seems to be non-LUSH and the 5th one is not clear.

SriSri · Post by **SriSri** » 30 Nov 2010 14:07

Navy Submarines Deal - Rosoboronexport Offers Amur-1650 Class Submarines

SriSri · Post by **SriSri** » 30 Nov 2010 20:53

Indian Navy Deploys Multi-Ship Anti Piracy Force

Gaurav_S · Post by **Gaurav_S** » 01 Dec 2010 08:15

Coast Guard gets 7th high speed ship C-149

http://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/article/ ... teeth.html

Indian Coast Guard’s indigenously built high-speed ship, C-149, was commissioned on Tuesday by Chief Secretary A K Joti in Porbandar in the presence of Coast Guard Commander (North-West) Satya Sharma.

The ICGS C-149, the seventh high-speed ship, will be based in Veraval, where Coast Guard had commissioned a new station on October 2.

Built by ABG Shipyard, Surat, the 28-metre long ship with a 90 ton displacement is commanded by Commandant S Zakir Hussain with a crew of 12 sailors.

It has an endurance of 500 nautical miles at an economical speed of 25 knots (kts). It can achieve a maximum speed of 45 kts, responding to any fast developing situation at sea. In addition, the ship is equipped with state-of–the–art navigational and communication equipment including satellite communication system. The ship is fitted with 12.7 mm ‘Prahari’ Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) for effective fire power beside other small arms.

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 01 Dec 2010 09:00

Some video footage inside an Akula 2

Video: Akula 2

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 01 Dec 2010 09:44

funny that it took a foodie program to get those IN shots. wonder what those 7 subs were doing together at night? could be practising U-boat style surfaced night attacks unleashing a full spread in the general direction of a large chinese port maybe.

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 01 Dec 2010 13:33

The most striking part of the video for me was it showed the reactor of the sub and the dials that measures and shows the depth.

The dial ends at 600 m ,which for the first time confirms that Akula 2 can go that deep.

The 600 m is most likely the crush depth with Never Exceed Depth of Akula 2 stated at 530 m.

SNaik is that the K-295 Samara ?

Mukesh.Kumar · Post by **Mukesh.Kumar** » 01 Dec 2010 14:48

Yes, but even Wikipedia indicates that 600 m is it's Test Depth. Though it's operational depth is closer to 480 m

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 01 Dec 2010 15:09

You have seen those depth dials in the sub , that is as good as it gets no links can better that

The Test Depth should be the calculated Crush Depth where the whole sub is likely to implode due to pressure ( note the dials have no readings beyond 600 m ) they would have tested the sub to its never exceed depth limit thats in the range of ~ 530 m ( depth varies too on the type of Akula ).

Our Nerpa too should have similar performance paramaters in depth though its an all digital sub compared to the old analog ops room you see there.

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 01 Dec 2010 15:15

600 meters translates to almost 1850 feet.

IIRC, the U212/214 have a max dive depth of 400 meters.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 01 Dec 2010 15:44

nukular subs use higher grade of steel perhaps to reach those ugly depths. the incremental cost over SSK steel is perhaps a small fraction of the overall huge cost.

Lalmohan · Post by **Lalmohan** » 01 Dec 2010 15:46

i guess Ti would be too expensive on a sub level, though I expect US subs make use of Ti in critical areas

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 01 Dec 2010 15:48

Singha,

IIRC the Los Angles class boats were made out of the HY 80 steel. The Sea Wolf is made out of the HY 100. The Khans have made a return to HY 80 with Virginia class.

The U 209 is also made from the HY 80. The steel grade for the Scorpean and the Kilo is unknown to me.

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 01 Dec 2010 15:49

Lalmohan wrote:i guess Ti would be too expensive on a sub level, though I expect US subs make use of Ti in critical areas

Siera 1 & 2 are the only service boats made of Ti that I am aware off. The Bear after them moved to Akula after that.

kit · Post by **kit** » 01 Dec 2010 16:16

Wonder whether the MFSTAR can support a ABM role in conjunction with the Barak 8 ? The Barak 8 supposedly has some features of the Arrow 3

SNaik · Post by **SNaik** » 01 Dec 2010 18:23

Austin wrote:The most striking part of the video for me was it showed the reactor of the sub and the dials that measures and shows the depth.

The dial ends at 600 m ,which for the first time confirms that Akula 2 can go that deep.

The 600 m is most likely the crush depth with Never Exceed Depth of Akula 2 stated at 530 m.

SNaik is that the K-295 Samara ?

Yes, she has the telltale Guard sign on fron tof her sail.
600 is just a nice round number. Crush depth is even deeper. The Mach-meter on MiG-25 also goes up to M 3, although there is a red sign at M 2.83.

SriSri · Post by **SriSri** » 01 Dec 2010 18:24

Indian Navy Boeing P-8 Poseidon Deal Worth USD 2.13 billion

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 01 Dec 2010 19:34

the Barak8 does not look sized for a effective ABM role -a bigger javelin like the AAD may be necessary. ofcourse nothing stops us from mounting the AAD on ships in similar silos to Barak8 and having a modified MFSTAR guide them out.

but thinking about it - we do not really need sea based ABM - all our hostile missiles are going to be crossing the land borders.

its better to devote ship silos to long range SAMs and land attack cruise missiles only.

Lalmohan · Post by **Lalmohan** » 01 Dec 2010 19:49

are we ruling out long range PLAN attacks from the sea?
and ofcourse
superduper cannister lunched babur-N from PNS Ghaznighorikaffirslayer?

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 01 Dec 2010 20:14

if you mean PLAN SLBMs fired from middle of pacific/southern IOR, we do not have the resources to mount a ABM screen to cover such a vast area - nobody has. and nobody has anti-ICBM ABMs anyway.

for a future Paki SLCM donated by china, ABM is of no use. it will fly low over the sea.

such threats are best contained by sinking or chasing away submarines from launch areas ( a huge LRMP JMSDF type holding, SOSUS, powerful SSNs, good fleet of SSK ) and good SAMs around potential targets (Spyder/Akash) to kill the cruise missiles.

by no means can such threats be totally neutralized - so measures must be taken to fulfill the greater objective of pounding the enemy economy back by 20 years in the quickest possible time. this implies heavy investment in cruise missiles, strike ac and air delivered munitions to target economic infra like shipping, ports, railway hubs, strategic factories, POL , electric plants, coal mines , ....

kit · Post by **kit** » 01 Dec 2010 23:14

I think a well net worked IN ship with ABM capability can engage a Ballistic missile target picked up by a long range land based radar or a Phalcon.A useful capability when you think of short reaction times ! And if you can engage a missile further from your own land the better .IN does need that capability to protect their carrier groups even in face of the mysterious SHASHOUJIAN., should that ever appear

dinesha · Post by **dinesha** » 02 Dec 2010 08:56

Interview with the Vice-Admiral Sanjeev Bhasin, flag officer commanding in chief of the Western Naval Command
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Guarding- ... 33332.aspx

In an exclusive interview with the Hindustan Times, Vice-Admiral Sanjeev Bhasin, flag officer commanding in chief of the Western Naval Command, said securing India’s western coast is the Navy’s biggest challenge. The threat perception of terrorists using the sea route, as they did for 26/11, has increased.
India has a huge coastline, stretching 7,600 km, and we have island territories as well. We, along with the Coast Guard, have fortified patrolling. But there are grey areas where landings can be carried out because the state governments concerned had not kept them under surveillance till 26/11 occurred.

A detailed plan has been chalked out with the Coast Guard and the Director General of Lighthouses to revive lighthouses and set up 30 radar stations along the western coast.

Trials of two such radar stations have started at Okha and Kandla in Gujarat.

The Navy has found it tough to monitor fishing boats.
This is a weakness identified [and exploited] by the terrorists. About 30,000 fishing boats are registered in Gujarat, 20,000 in Maharashtra, 20,000 in Karnataka and 2,000 in Goa.

Radar stations fitted with the Automatic Identification System (AIS) have been planned along the coast.

AIS devices will also be installed on these vessels. It is a massive problem and it cannot be taken care of only by the Navy and Coast Guard.

We need fishermen’s cooperation; we want them to be our eyes and ears. They have been very cooperative.

What new inductions has the Navy lined and when are they expected to join the fleet?
There are 39 ships on order; 34 of them will be made indigenously. Over the next two years, we’ll see the induction of three ships in the Shivalik, Talwar and Kolkata class of destroyers.

Two fleet tankers, Deepak and Shakti, are being made in Italy. The first one will be here this month. Apart from that, there are two survey ships being built indigenously. There has been some delay in the Scorpene submarine project, but we should see it commissioned by 2015.

When is the aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov, renamed Vikramaditya, and the indigenously built aircraft carrier expected to join the fleet?
Vikramaditya’s sea trials are scheduled to start in March 2011. It will join the western fleet by the end of 2012. Six MIG 29K’s — fighter aircraft — that will operate from the carrier are already flying from [the] Goa [naval base].

We will get the remaining aircraft in knock-down state soon and will assemble them at Goa. As far as the indigenously built carrier is concerned, work is on at the Cochin shipyard.

It will be equipped to handle both the MiG 29Ks and the naval version of the indigenously built Light Combat Aircraft. We expect the carrier to be commissioned by 2014.

How do you plan to prop up the naval aviation wing, which was recently criticised by the Comptroller and Auditor General for using non-operational aircraft?
We will have eight Boeing P8I aircraft [for long-range maritime reconnaissance] by January 2013.

We plan to buy four more. A global request for information [the first stage of procurement] has been floated to procure 56 Naval Utility Helicopters to replace the Chetak helicopters. We are also looking at replacing the anti-submarine warfare helicopter, Seaking.

When will we have the nuclear submarine that is being leased from Russia? How will it bolster our submarine capability?
Before getting to the leased submarine, we have our own indigenously built submarine, INS Arihant. Extensive sea trials are on.

As far as the Akula-II class submarines, we plan to name it INS Chakra, and we should have it shortly.

suryag · Post by **suryag** » 02 Dec 2010 09:58

Any info on commissioning of ins satpura/sahyadri follow-on ships in the shivalik class?

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 02 Dec 2010 11:06

Before getting to the leased submarine, we have our own indigenously built submarine, INS Arihant. Extensive sea trials are on.
As far as the Akula-II class submarines, we plan to name it INS Chakra, and we should have it shortly.

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 02 Dec 2010 11:14

^^^^

The underlined section is a bit contradictory from the previous reports and tidbit on the Arihant. That have stated that she is undergoing Harbour Trials.

Which report is accurate. This one or the one which suggests harbour trials. Also sea trial implies that the reactor is compleated and fueled. Right?

As some of the reports in the past have suggested that she is awaiting the powerplant and the fuel it self.

JMT

nrshah · Post by **nrshah** » 02 Dec 2010 12:30

Cross posting from R & D thread

nrshah wrote:http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_dr ... ne_1475223
To bolster coastal security, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a 140-mm rocket launcher. The launcher has already gone into production after testing and evaluation by Orissa-based DRDO lab PXE (Proof and Experimental Establishment) a few weeks ago.

The system, which can launch 12 rockets at a time covering a range of 4 km, will be placed along the nation’s 7,516-km coastline for close combat with small fast-moving boats. PXE director Major General P Mathur said the navy had shown interest in the launcher.

The system will be under navy command, but could be operated by any marine agency, such as marine police and Coast Guard, for shore-based protection. It could be deployed on a shore or a ship.

Mathur said the launchers would form one of the tiers of coastal security. The cost-effective system is remote-operated and was developed indigenously after discussions between Ordnance Factory Board, DRDO and the navy.

“Rockets [launched using the launchers] can accurately target small boats and sink them,” S Sundaresh, chief controller of research and development (armament and combat engineering) of DRDO, said.

Meanwhile, defence minister AK Antony told parliament that the government was according top priority to strengthening coastal and maritime security through increased surveillance by both the navy and Coast Guard.

“The inputs received by intelligence agencies are being shared on a daily basis. This intelligence mechanism has been streamlined through the creation of joint operation centres,” the minister said.

Junior home affairs minister M Ramachandran said phase-II of the plan had been approved for implementation for a period of five years from next April, after consultations with nine coastal states, four Union territories and maritime agencies. He said all coastal police stations had been granted Rs15 lakh.

The scheme was discussed at the fourth meeting of National Committee on Strengthening Maritime and Coastal Security on November 23.

The underlined part talks of accurate targeting... Can some one throw light on it and if the same can also be mounted on Pinaka...

shukla · Post by **shukla** » 02 Dec 2010 14:17

Navy recommends acquisition of all state-owned land in defence zones
Indian Express

shukla · Post by **shukla** » 02 Dec 2010 14:19

Goa MPs accuse navy of being anti-Christian
Sify News

In a memorandum submitted to Antony on Thursday, Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik and South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha also accused the naval authorities of land-hogging in Goa, after the Indian Navy formally approached the state government some months back to acquire two islands - Grande and Pequeno - located off the Baina coast, 30 km from here, "in order to counter security threat to the airfield and runway approach of the Dabolim airport".

"When an island known as Anjadiva island of the south Goa coast was handed over by the Goa government to Indian Navy upon their similar request a few years back, the navy despite signing an MoU is now refusing to permit the Christian community to visit the church situated on the island," the MPs said. "People are taken to the island on the occasion of Navy Day under security, but the navy is not willing to follow the same procedure in case of the visit by members of the Christian community," Naik said, adding civilians felt helpless when the military authorities hid under the excuse of security for every issue.

Naik claims there's another reason behind the Indian Navy's insistence on acquiring the islands. "The two islands, if acquired, are likely to be utilised by the navy for purposes other than national security as, it is learnt, a few years back some ex-navy men were inquiring with the owners of the islands about purchasing the land," he said.

K_Rohit · Post by **K_Rohit** » 02 Dec 2010 15:15

dinesha wrote:Interview with the Vice-Admiral Sanjeev Bhasin, flag officer commanding in chief of the Western Naval Command
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Guarding- ... 33332.aspx
When will we have the nuclear submarine that is being leased from Russia? How will it bolster our submarine capability?
Before getting to the leased submarine, we have our own indigenously built submarine, INS Arihant. Extensive sea trials are on.

As far as the Akula-II class submarines, we plan to name it INS Chakra, and we should have it shortly.

Is this the first Indian Navy/Indian Government/official acknowledgement that we are leasing the Akula-II. Until now, everything was "sources" or Russian officials?

krishnan · Post by **krishnan** » 02 Dec 2010 18:29

http://sify.com/news/After-delays-Scorp ... idget_news

New Delhi, Dec 2 (IANS) Admitting there was a downward trend in its submarine programme, Indian Navy Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma Thursday said the gap would be covered when the nation gets six highly advanced French Scorpene vessels being built at a Mumbai shipyard.

'There was a downward trend because of the gap that took place. For 17 years, we didn't commission any indigenous submarine. That is why this gap took place,' Verma told reporters ahead of Navy Day to be celebrated Saturday.

But he said the loopholes would be plugged when the Mazgaon Dock Ltd in Mumbai completes the ongoing Project-75 for six French Scorpene submarines that has already suffered almost a three-year delay.

'I think the Scorpene programme is on track. Yes there was some delay at some point of time. Now we are working to get Project-75, which will help us cover the gap,' he said.

The Indian Navy is facing a grave shortage of submarines. In another five-six years, more than half of its present fleet of 15 ageing diesel-electric submarines - 10 Russian Kilo-class, four German HDW and one Foxtrot - will become obsolete.

According to Project-75, the vessels were to roll out one per year from 2012 onwards. But that won't happen and the navy now hopes that first submarine will sail in 2015.

Even the project cost escalated beyond the total Rs.20,000 crore as was initially agreed between the Indian defence ministry and the French company DCNS, which is fabricating the submarines.

In any naval war, submarines are believed to game-changers. And if armed with nuclear-tipped missiles, the vessel can be the most effective deterrent in present times.

The US and Russia plan to retain over 60 percent of their nuclear weapons in the shape of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) fitted on nuclear-powered submarines.

Though India does not have nuclear submarines or SLBM capabilities at present, it hopes to move forward by inducting the Akula-II class attack submarine K-152 Nerpa on a 10-year lease from Russia.

The 8,140-tonne submarine was to be delivered to the Indian Navy by December. But that is unlikely to happen now as the hand-over of the submarine got delayed and it would come only in 2011.

KrishG · Post by **KrishG** » 02 Dec 2010 23:48

Hiccups in Indigenous Aircraft Carrier project: Navy Chief

Admitting ''hiccups'' in India's Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) project, Navy Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma today said the 40,000-tonne warship could not be launched this year because of delays in supply of equipment, but it would be ready for sea trials by 2014.

"The IAC was to be launched this year and because of some indigenous equipment that could not be supplied on time the launch has been delayed. We are expecting it (launch) by the middle of next year, as things stand," he said at the annual press conference ahead of Navy Day on December 4.

"But at the same time, efforts are on to compress the time frames by ensuring that the amount of outfitting on the warship is much more than earlier envisaged, so we cut down on time. We expect to put it out at sea by 2014," he said.

The Navy Chief said since India was building an aircraft carrier for the first time, a lot of trial and error took place during construction."We should graduate to sea trial stage where one can say ...the target is 2014," he added.

On the Navy's future acquisition and capability enhancement programmes, Verma said there were 36 ships and submarines on order in various Indian shipyards and that these programmes were largely on track.

Among the major projects were the IAC in Kochi and the refurbishment of INS Vikramaditya (erstwhile Russian Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier), both of which were "progressing satisfactorily and going well."

"Vikramaditya's induction has been delayed due to increase in the scope of work, which consequently led to unavoidable upward revision in price. But, there has been progress in the past few months. All efforts are being made to ensure 'Vikramaditya' will be delivered to us by December 2012," he added.

Verma pointed out that India's first stealth frigate INS Shivalik had been commissioned and two more ships of this class would be commissioned soon."Other projects in pipeline are Kolkata class destroyers, four advanced anti-submarine Corvettes and six Scorpene class submarines, four modern fast patrol vessels and a sail training ship are at various stages of construction," he added.

In the Shivalik class, MDL will be delivering the second ship in the line to the Navy in a few months from now.He said orders for five Offshore Patrol Vessels and two cadet training ships had been placed at private shipyards.

"We had smaller ships being constructed, but in terms of size, this is a first as far as Indian Navy is concerned (to be built at a private yard) and we have told them to deliver on time and within costs," he noted.