INS Shivalik commissioned today, a year after Broadsword first published a detailed account of the frigate - Broadsword by Ajai Shukla - Strategy. Economics. Defence.

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Thursday 29 April 2010

INS Shivalik commissioned today, a year after Broadsword first published a detailed account of the frigate


























After a year of sea trials, the INS Shivalik, the first of three Project 17 frigates being built for the Indian Navy, was commissioned into service today. Broadsword had already visited the INS Shivalik in March 2009 and published a detailed description of the Shivalik, along with exclusive photos on this blog. You can go back to the March 2009 archives for that account.

The MoD press release on the commissioning of the INS Shivalik is reproduced below.


PRESS RELEASE BY THE MoD ON 29th APR 2010

The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony today called upon the Indian Industry to give their best in developing the country’s ship building programmes. Commissioning INS Shivalik, the first of three new stealth frigates for the Indian Navy in Mumbai, he said, over the years there has been a distinct shift in our policy from a “Buyer’s Navy’ to a ‘Builder’s Navy”.

He said the ship building industry has to modernize itself through indigenous efforts and minimize its dependence on imports. “We must continue with our efforts to transform and modernize our shipyards, so that they can not only meet the domestic demands but also achieve latest international standards in quality construction. We must be able to produce quality ships in a shorter time frame at competitive costs. I strongly urge all the participants of the Indian industry to give their best in developing our ship building programmes”.

He said time and again history has taught us to maintain a strong and vigilant navy. “Our maritime heritage dates back to the ancient times. Though we have come a long way in re-establishing our capabilities on the high seas since our independence, we still have a lot to achieve before we can consider ourselves a really potent naval force. History has time and again held out lessons in maintaining a strong and an eternally vigilant Navy”, the Defence Minister said.

Shri Antony said the security situation in and around our immediate neighbourhood poses several security related challenges. He reiterated that we have to maintain high levels of operational readiness at all times.

Shri Antony described the commissioning as a red letter day for the Indian Navy, our Armed Forces, the ship building industry and the entire nation. He said India’s long coastline and ever expanding exclusive economic zone make it imperative to defend our main land as well as maintain the sea lanes of communication. With the commissioning of the stealth frigate, he expressed confidence that the maritime interest will further secure.

INS Shivalik and the follow-on-ships of the Shivalik class (namely, Satpura and Sahyadiri) have been conceived and designed by Indian Navy design teams. The Shivalik class will be the mainstay frigates of the Indian Navy in the first half of the 21st century.

The incorporation of numerous new design features aboard INS Shivalik effectively reduces the probability of her being detected at sea. The in-built structural, thermal and acoustic stealth features augment the potent capability of the ship to address threats in all dimensions of maritime warfare.

The weapon-sensor fit of the Shivalik is controlled through a Combat Management System called ‘CMS-17’, designed and developed by the Indian Navy and manufactured by Bharat Electronics (Ghaziabad). The system allows the seamless integration of the ship’s systems as well as with the weapons and sensors of other Fleet ships, thus enabling the concept of ‘Co-operative Engagement Capability’ (CES). With her ability to detect and engage surface, air and sub-surface assets of the enemy at extended ranges, this ship represents very significant combat-potential.

With modern LM 2500 Gas Turbine propelling her to speeds in excess of 30 knots (or over 55 kmph), the ship is a true greyhound upon the seas. The ship’s electric power is provided by four Diesel Alternators, which together produce 4 Mega-Watts of power – enough to light-up a small town. The power generation and distribution on board is controlled through an ‘Automated Power Management System’ (APMS), which enables the optimal use of electricity at all times. The two Multi-Role helicopters that would be embarked on Shivalik will provide for enhanced surveillance and attack capability.

The Shivalik is also equipped with a proven defense against Nuclear, Biological and Chemical attack. The state-of-the art ‘Total Atmospheric Control System’ (TACS) ensures filtration of the air going into the ship at all times. In addition, it ensures the complete removal of radioactive, chemical or biological impurities, thereby protecting the crew and shipborne systems even when operating in areas contaminated by nuclear, biological or chemical agents.

The ship’s domestic requirements of fresh water are met through two Reverse Osmosis plants, while a fully automated galley, ensures that the crew can be fed Indian, Continental and Asian meals, including freshly baked bread and home-made ice cream.

The accommodation arrangements for the 35 officers and over 250 crew members of the Shivalik has been provided by M/s Godrej, whose advance ergonomic design ensures crew comfort and space management.

Among those present at today’s ceremony included the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma, the Defence Secretary Shri Pradeep Kumar, the Secretary Defence Production Shri RK Singh, the Chairman and Managing Director of Mazagon Dock Limited Rear Admiral (Retd) HS Malhi, Defence Attaches and Consul Generals of different Countries.

12 comments:

  1. In one of the photos in Chhindits blog, I saw sharp edged designs on a pillar inside the ship. I dont know how ship designers missed it. It may cause injuries to people near by in case of loss of ships stability.

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  2. An impressive feat of India. Equipped with an array of substantially modern weaponry. Any amount of stealth may be another feather in the cap.

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  3. Ajai sir

    just read somewhere

    'The CAIO for Project 17 ships have been jointly developed by Indian Navy with foreign expert agency.' Any idea which one.

    Another question, the LM 2500 engines are to be used all most all Indian navy warships. Does it mean that only the LM 2500 is available in the entire world.

    We should look for other engines also otherwise we will become dependent on whyms of US government. (remember the commissioning of INS Shivalik was to happen feb this year but the US government stopped deliveries and delayed our plans by 2 months.)

    Hope to see the Kaveri marine engine in thew next Project 17A warships

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  4. Do you have any details on second radar's model/make installed on Shivalik.

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  5. Antony's word and actions are poles apart. Pathetic.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ajai sir

    Another ship related news.

    The Russian Slava-class guided missile cruiser Moskva, of the Black Sea Fleet has docked in Kochi.

    If I am not wrong it the same ship, possibly a nuclear powered one that India wanted to buy from Russia or take long lease in 2005 alongside the Tu-22M3 bombers.

    Am I right please clarify.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Joydeep:

    The CAIO, to my understanding, is indigenous.

    It is incorrect to say that all, or even most, Indian warships will be using the LM2500 turbines. Each ship's power plant is chosen keeping in mind the requirements and space constraints of that vessel.

    The Slava class cruisers are not nuclear-powered warships. Where do you get your information from?

    ReplyDelete
  8. ajai sir

    I checked they are not nuclear powered,runs with gas turbine. But my point is India wanted to buy or long lease one or two slava class cruisers.

    I got iformation that its actually the Ukrayina which is 90% complete.

    Berthed in Ukraine and not needed by its navy, it a golden chance for India to get something worthwhile after losing out on the Varyag to China, and paying US$ 2.3 billion for Gorshkov.

    With Antony sir accepting that we slow to expand our naval fleet. That we need this ship to expand our reach across the IOR cant be ignored.

    You can say its worthless, but a warship is what it is. It can certainly help India

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  9. Car-Nicobar Class

    Just off the track,
    but wanted to know the fate of the Car Nicobar Class , As Navy had refused to accept them due to gear box issue.

    Can anyone please update....

    ReplyDelete
  10. ajai sir,

    did you heard about the mig-35 equip with zhuk-me aesa radar to live firing test for a-to-a missiles and watched iaf officials in april. please give you comment...

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  11. First of all MDL deserves a pat on their back for delivering such a sophisticated warship. Am sure the Indian Navy is happy with this punch. Its a major step towards indigenization of warship production in our country.
    As regards the CAIO, well in my opinion it is not fully indigenous one. It’s a joint collaborative effort - part supply from an Indian firm and part supply from its foreign firm (look at the weaponry and lo! u could make your own guess at the foreign element in this joint effort!). I think the Indian Navy has nothing to do with either the design or production and it could be merely acting as a facilitator apart from spelling out the qualitative requirements being the end user in this case.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I would like to exchange links with your site www.blogger.com
    Is this possible?

    ReplyDelete

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