Project 15 – Delhi Class Destroyers

Project 15, the Delhi class destroyer programme originally was for six platforms but owing to unprecedented delays was scaled down to three ships. The Delhi class destroyer is best known for a perfect amalgamation of Indian, Russian and Western origin equipment and systems with a significant anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-air capability. The Delhi class ships have a displacement and dimensions of 6,900 tonnes full load, 163 metres in length, 17 metres in beam and 6.5 metres in draught. The Delhi class has a combined diesel and gas turbine propulsion system. Advantages of a CODAG system is that it permits very rapid startup from the rest and also offers superior acceleration and performance.

The main armament of Delhi includes 16 Kh-35 Urans (Indian Navy designation 3M60 and NATO designation: SS-N-25 Switchblade) subsonic AShMs and a 100mm (AK-100) DP gun. The gun systems are controlled by the MR-184/184M (NATO designation: Kite Screech) fire control radar and the whole fire-control system may be referred to as MR 218 Lev. The torpedo armament of the ship, a 533mm quintuple launcher, is mounted amid ships between the two funnels (as in the Kashin class). The ship also carries two Sea King helicopters.

Project 15A –Kolkata Class Destroyers

The Kolkata class guided missile destroyers are the new stealth destroyers being built by the Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) for the Indian Navy, under Project 15A. The destroyers under this project are follow-on of Type 15 Delhi class destroyers and designated as the Project 15B destroyers.

Conceptualised by the Indian Navy, the detailed design phase for the class has been completed by MDL. Kolkata class is fitted with modern weapons and sensor systems. The propulsion system of Delhi class was also retained with minor upgrades. Most of the systems integrated in the ships are designed and built in India.

The destroyers are also equipped with action information system and atmospheric control system. The modern stealth destroyers will demonstrate superior antisurface warfare (ASuW) capabilities. The vessel has an overall length of 163 metres, a beam of 17.4 metres, and a draft of 6.5 metres,. The full load displacement of the ship is 6,800 tonnes.

Project 17—Shivalik Class Stealth Frigates

The Shivalik class or Project 17 class is a class of multi-role stealth frigates in service with the Indian Navy. They are the first stealth warships built in India. A total of three ships were built between 2000 and 2010, and all three were commissioned by 2012.

The Shivalik class frigates along with the seven Project 17A frigates currently being developed are projected to be the principal frigates of the Indian Navy in the first half of the 21st century. All ships of the class were built by the Mazagon Dock Limited. The class and the lead vessel have been named after the Shivalik hills and subsequent vessels in the class are also named after prominent hill ranges in India.

The Shivalik class frigates have a length of 142.5 metres, (468 feet) overall, a beam of 16.9 metres, (55 feet) and a draft of 4.5 metre, (15 feet). The ships displace about 4,900 tonnes at normal load and 6,200 tonnes at full load. The complement is about 257, including 35 officers.

They use two Pielstick 16 PA6 STC Diesel engines and two GE LM2500+ boost turbines in CODOG configuration, providing a total of 47,370 shp (35,320 kW) of power. This allows the ships to reach a maximum speed of 32 knots (59 kmph; 37 mph).

Scorpene Class Submarines

The Scorpène class submarines are a class of diesel-electric attack submarine jointly developed by the French DCN and the Spanish company Navantia and now by DCNS. It features diesel propulsion and additional air-independent propulsion (AIP).

In 2005, the Indian Navy ordered six Scorpène class submarines, all of which were to be built in India at the Mazagon Dock and elsewhere, and the last two are to be fitted with the indigenous AIP module. For the follow-on requirement of six submarines, DCNS plans to offer a larger version of the submarine to the Indian Navy. The construction of these submarines which are to be manufactured under a technology transfer agreement began on May 23, 2009. The delivery of submarines is scheduled between 2016 and 2021.