Naval Procurements & Acquisitions: 02 April 2024

[Rakesh]

Due to the expansion in naval prominence, this new thread has been created to track all the naval procurements and acquisitions for the Indian Navy. This thread will track all three domains that the Indian Navy operates in --> surface, sub-surface and air.

The present Indian Navy thread will be used to track naval operational deployments/news.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/alpha_defense/status/1773 ... 63450?s=20 ---> Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has signed a contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi for the supply of 6 sets of LM2500 Gas Turbines (GT) and GT Auxiliaries (GTAE), Spares, Tools for Indian Navy Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) Project. The time period by which the contract is to be executed is FY 2025-26 to FY 2028-29.

https://x.com/AdithyaKM_/status/1773352 ... 24402?s=20 ---> HAL has signed a contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the supply of six sets of LM2500 Gas Turbines (GT) & GT Auxiliaries (GTAE), spares, tools for Indian Navy Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) project for ₹1173.5l42 crores. HAL assembles & tests the GE LM2500 engine.

[Rakesh]

Indian Navy Inducts New Survey Vessel With Kongsberg HUGIN AUV
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... hugin-auv/
25 Feb 2024

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/alpha_defense/status/1766 ... 18934?s=20 ---> HSL is in discussion with the Naval Group, France for collaboration in Design and Construction of Landing Platform Docks for Indian Navy. The RFP is expected in FY 23-24: HSL

[Rakesh]

Indian Navy launches two new warships INS Agray, INS Akshay for anti-submarine operations
https://thetheorist.in/indian-navy-laun ... e_vignette
13 March 2024

[Rakesh]

Boost for Indian Navy: CCS clears Rs 19,000 crore BrahMos missile deal
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ind ... 905206.cms
22 Feb 2024

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/AdithyaKM_/status/1773949 ... 18026?s=20 ---> The last Varunastra of the current order from Indian Navy sent by BDL. Looks like order was for 63 Heavy Weight Torpedoes.

[Rakesh]

No role for Turkish firms in Indian Navy's mega Fleet Support Ship project
https://aninews.in/news/national/genera ... 411174220/
11 April 2024

https://x.com/AdithyaKM_/status/1778044545466519798 ---> HSL Fleet Support Ships (FSS) have "..a completely indigenous design and sourcing of majority of the equipment from indigenous manufacturers.." FSS carries & delivers fuel, water, ammo & stores enabling prolonged operations without returning to harbour.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/ReviewVayu/status/1778037290008449182 ---> ‘Steel Cutting’ ceremony of first of five Fleet Support Ships was held at Hindustan Shipyard Ltd, Visakhapatnam on 10 April 2024. Contract with HSL for acquisition of Fleet Support Ships was signed in August 2023 and are scheduled to be delivered to the Indian Navy, commencing mid-2027.

[Prem Kumar]

No role for Turkish firms in Indian Navy's mega Fleet Support Ship project
https://aninews.in/news/national/genera ... 411174220/
11 April 2024

There is good & bad news in this

The good is that, under PM Modi, we have made sure that this is truly Atmanirbhar and cut out anti-India & anti-Hindu Turkey from this project

The bad is that, when such expertise was available in-house, why did HSL try to partner with a Turkish firm in the first place? If this present Govt was not acting as a watchdog, they would have taken the easy, lucrative (kickbacks) & national-security-endangering move

Its not enough that this was stopped. The Govt should dig deep and find out the people involved in the original decision, what their motivations were, were there kickbacks involved etc

If it was not Turkey but say an Israeli firm, I think the deal would have gone through even under the present dispensation & would have been hailed as Atmanirbhar. This is the rot that must be stemmed.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/VivekSi85847001/status/17 ... 1806914682 ---> L&T SOV-400 Submarine.

L&T's Diesel Electric Mini Submarine (SOV-400). It's just 25 meters shorter than the Scorpene Submarine.

> 45m long
> 4.3m Pressure head diameter & 5.9m height
> Displacement 500 Tons, 550 Tons submerged
> 20+ days endurance and 2,000 nautical miles range
> 2 Torpedoes for limited offensive operations
> 12 Crew: 2 Operators, 2 diver support personnel and 8 special forces
> 2 Swimmer delivery vehicles (each having 4SF) to deploy Soldiers to shores.

If supplied to the Navy, it will be scaled up for the L&T upcoming conventional sub program.

[Rakesh]

India, UK closer to pact on electric propulsion system for warships
https://indianexpress.com/article/india ... s-9296010/
29 April 2024

Indian warships are currently powered by diesel engines, gas turbines or steam turbines. The electric propulsion capability is meant to power larger warships with a displacement of over 6,000 tonnes.

[Pratyush]

The thing with electricity is that it's not just useful for ship propulsion. It's also useful for powering a whole bunch of other systems as well. Such as EMALS, rail guns, directed energy, etc.

All the above requires a smart grid that is capable of handling increased power transmission in order to handle different systems.

IMO, all the pieces are being put in place for the next generation conventional aircraft carrier and surface combatants.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/detresfa_/status/1785901736835850503 ---> Progress of Project Seabird at INS Kadamba visible - major upgrades, capability & capacity increase of this Indian Navy site are expected to enhance India's long term strategic & security interests across the Indian Ocean Region.

[ramana]

SMART is to be installed on most new destroyer class ships. Do we know how many VLS types are planned?
Six or eight tubes?

[Pratyush]

I recall reading somewhere that SMART is compatible with the Brahmos VLS.

But am not able to find that specific reference.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/MazagonDockLtd/status/1790324706673074620 ---> Defense Secretary, Shri Giridhar Aramane today launched ‘Arowana’ the midget submarine that was designed and being constructed by MDL. The submarine is being developed as a proof of concept. MDL is simultaneously working on development of Design of full scale indigenous conventional submarine by 2028.

[ramana]

US Naval Institue assessment of Project 15A and 15B destroyers.

https://youtu.be/Xdr6YX2ckng?si=yuHDkWQdBFJh8IH8

[ramana]

SMART is to be installed on most new destroyer class ships. Do we know how many VLS types are planned?
Six or eight tubes?

Project 15a and 15b class have 8 Brahmos VLS. Refer to above video.

[MeshaVishwas]

INS (to be) Nistar
Looks great, can't wait to see the DSRV on board and the AK-630 fitment.
Good job HSL.

Diving Support Vessel was sent to sea for trials on 27th May early morning, The Ship returned to HSL Jetty late hours on 27th May. The ship has successfully completed maiden sea trials with no major defects, marking a pivotal achievement for Hindustan Shipyard Ltd

- HSL on Twitter

[Rakesh]

India Joins Global Race: Advancing with Submarine-Launched UAV Technology
https://bharatshakti.in/india-joins-glo ... echnology/
14 June 2024

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/indiannavy/status/1802672516533723195 ---> Surat will be the next major combatant to join the Indian Navy's arsenal. The ship commenced her maiden sea trials prior to induction. Named after the vibrant city in Gujarat, Surat epitomizes its rich maritime heritage and pivotal role in India's nautical legacy. Constructed using cutting-edge technology by @MazagonDockLtd, Surat stands as a glorious testament of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

[srai]

^^^
Main gun shroud looks like the older non stealthy design.

[titash]

The 76 mm is a modular mount. They tend to cycle these modules from a pool depending on what ship & module is due for maintenance.

Eventually it’ll have a stealthy mount (for the most part). There are at least 3 (Godavari) + 3 (Brahmaputra) + 4 (Kora) = 10 non-stealthy modules in the pool

There’s a big opening on the side near the stream. Wonder if that’s for torpedoes /sonar / UUVs?

[Ankit Desai]

DRDO takes up preliminary study on development of indigenous conventional submarine

DRDO got a go ahead from defence ministry to carry out a preliminary study to determine the project contours. It is expected to take upto a year after which a formal case will be put up to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for project sanction,

-Ankit

[Rakesh]

Govt looks to conclude Rs 35,000 crore Scorpene submarine deal with MDL by year end, price bids to open soon
https://alphadefense.in/index.php/2024/ ... open-soon/
15 July 2024

[Rakesh]

Great news....see tweet below. Yaay! Finally!!!

And confirmed via MoD document, which I am posting in the next post...

https://x.com/AdithyaKM_/status/1812846922526511348 ---> MDL to indigenize Refrigeration Plant for P-76 (possible typo?) along with Diesel Engine with alternator, Snorkel Mast, HP air compressor, Torpedo Simulator (TOSIM), main switch board breakers and Integrated Platform Management Systems for P75 submarines by 2028 as part of 5th PIL (Positive Indigenisation List).

https://x.com/ThingsNavy/status/1812856973206954027 ---> This is indigenous/joint production/technology transfer from P-75 according to Naval Group.

[Rakesh]

The desi diesel engine is on line 341 in the photo below. I went through each and every line to confirm the tweet in the post above. Murphy's Law...I found it in the last picture!

Entire list can be accessed by clicking the link below.

https://x.com/alpha_defense/status/1812848050185851023 ---> 346 items as identified by the DPSUs are hereby notified for the 5th Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) of DDP (Department of Defence Production).

https://x.com/alpha_defense/status/1812848080699462027 ---> Wherein critical Raw Materials, Spares & Components, Systems/ Sub-systems, Assemblies/ Sub-assemblies & LRUs related to Defence Platforms have been included for time bound indigenisation by the Industry.

https://x.com/alpha_defense/status/1812857197476659452 ---> This list was released on 25th June.

[Pratyush]

We were discussing ta lack of an indigenous submarine Diesel engine. Lo and behold the engine and ancillary items are on the positive indigenous list.

The only question is that the MDL is the agency for the indigenisation of the item.

Does that mean that we are looking at screwdriver giri again. Or a clean sheet design by the indigenous industry, on the basis of requirements communicated by MDL?

[SRajesh]

^^I sincerely hope that its not a screwdriver ToT Pratyushji

[Pratyush]

By now I should have known better about Indian procurement systems.

They are talking about the indigenisation of P75 and not 71I or even 76.

That means screwdriving the MTU plant of the Kalvari class.

[Rakesh]

India to finally get its new stealth frigate ‘Tushil’, crew of about 200 carrying out acceptance trials
https://theprint.in/defence/india-to-fi ... s/2178539/
17 July 2024

India in 2016 inked inter-governmental agreement with Russia for 4 frigates, a follow-on of Talwar-class vessels. Contract was signed in 2018. The 2nd could be delivered in 2025.

[Rakesh]

Stealth frigates from Russia to be delivered in September 2024, February 2025
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ ... 407630.ece
15 July 2024

In October 2016, India and Russia signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement for the four stealth frigates, two directly imported and two to be manufactured by Goa Shipyard Limited.

https://x.com/AdithyaKM_/status/1813104661152604210 ----> Follow on Talwar type frigates from Russia:

* Tushil to be delivered by Sept 2024
* Tamal to be delivered by Feb 2025

First GSL built ship to be launched in a few months and delivered by 2026.

[Rakesh]

Mazagon, Garden Reach Shipbuilders lead race for Defence Ministry's ₹70,000 crore warships order
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ne ... 817259.cms
18 July 2024

[Rakesh]

Mazagon, Garden Reach Shipbuilders lead race for Defence Ministry's ₹70,000 crore warships order
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ne ... 817259.cms
18 July 2024

https://x.com/alpha_defense/status/1813822279014658408 ---> It's for P-17B, Navantia had offered MDL a proposal for Knowledge Partner for the P-17B Program of Indian Navy.

[Rakesh]

India’s Stealth Frigates “Tushil and Tamal” Set for Delivery
https://alphadefense.in/index.php/2024/ ... very-2024/
18 July 2024

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/livefist/status/1815757797952213105 ---> Triput launched today at Goa Shipyard Ltd, the first of two that will be built locally. This is the ninth missile frigate in the Talwar Class and the fourth ship in the Advanced Talwar Class (2 being built in Russia, 2 at Goa Shipyard Ltd).

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/DefSysCI/status/1798708376815464620 ---> An update on the Next Generation Corvette (NGC): The RFP for 8 vessels worth Rs.36,000 crore was issued in late May 2024. The contract is expected to be signed next year with two shipyards, with the L1 winning 5 ships. The warship will be based on a new ~120m long design by the Warship Design Bureau.

https://x.com/DefSysCI/status/1798708380565188829 ---> The value of the contract per unit is around Rs.4500 crore per vessel, which is ~2.5 times that of the Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV). As compared to the NGMV, the NGC will have additional provisions, such as a more comprehensive sensor suite and weapons package.

https://x.com/DefSysCI/status/1798708382498701581 ---> In particular, these include the provisions for carrying an Anti Submarine Warfare helicopter and support equipment. It will also feature a towed array sonar. Additionally, would carry at least 8 SSMs, and have the ability to conduct local area defence.

https://x.com/DefSysCI/status/1798708384642040136 ---> To sum it up, the NGCs will be capable of performing all the three major tasks, i.e. Anti Submarine Warfare, Anti Surface Warfare, and Anti Air Warfare (ASW, ASuW, AAW).

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/DefSysCI/status/1815376741566706032 ---> DRDO's NSTL issued a tender regarding the investigation of cavitation behavior of an unspecified 'corvette' hull. The specified dimensions exceed that of the Talwar Class in every measure. Thus, it is speculated that the said figures are likely for the Next Generation Corvettes.

[Rakesh]

Explained: The Indian Navy's New Game-Changing Radar
https://swarajyamag.com/defence/explain ... ging-radar
08 August 2023