Nilgiri-class frigate (2019) explained

The Nilgiri-class frigates, formally classified as the Project-17 Alpha frigates (P-17A), are a series of stealth guided-missile frigates currently being built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), for the Indian Navy.[1] [2] The seventh and final ship of the Project 17A frigates, named Mahendragiri, was launched on 1 September 2023 at the Mazagon Dock by Dr Sudesh Dhankhar, wife of Indian vice-president Jagdeep Dhankhar.[3] [4] It is expected that the ships will be commissioned from 2024 onwards.[5]

As of July 2024, a deal for a class of around 8 Project 17B class frigates, as a follow-on of Nilgiri-class frigates, is expected to be cleared by MoD soon. The order worth will be split equally between MDL and GRSE.[6] [7] [8]

Design

Development

The frigates were designed by the Warship Design Bureau (formerly Directorate of Naval Design) – an internal establishment within the Indian Navy responsible for designing warships; the organisation is also distinguished for having contributed to the designing of numerous Indian warships, including – India's first indigenously-designed aircraft carrier, the s – India's first indigenously-designed nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines and the s – India's first indigenously designed frigates equipped with stealth technology.[9]

The class' design was finalised by the DND in 2013; it was later unveiled to the public in April 2018 – when MDL displayed a scale model of the frigate at the "DefExpo 2018" defense exhibition, held at Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.[10]

Features

Stealth

The frigate's design incorporates a significant degree of stealth and low radar-observability – through the utility of composite materials, radar-absorbent coatings and low-observable/radar-transparent technologies; the usage of the aforementioned materials assists the vessel in maintaining a low radar cross-section (RCS).[11]

The vessel's physical profile also features a substantial level of stealth through the application of different physical forms – including an enclosed mooring deck, flush deck-mounted weapon systems and a reduced number of antennae.[12]

The frigate's infrared signature, most specifically emissions from its propulsion exhaust and power generation machinery, are reduced through the application of Venturi effect and fluid injection, which helps to reduce the plume and hot metal temperatures of exhaust.[13] To maintain acoustic silence, the frigate is equipped with propellers designed to have onset of cavitation at higher speeds to reduce hydrodynamic noise.[13] In addition to the propellers, the vessel's hull also features special acoustic enclosures for some of the machinery to reduce the emission air-borne noise.[13]

Modular profile

The P-17A frigates are the first major class of Indian-designed warships to be built using the methodology of integrated modular construction – a manufacturing process in which multiple modules (or "blocks") of a vessel's hull are pre-assembled/pre-outfitted independently, before being aggregated for final assembly.[14]

In December 2015, MDL contracted Fincantieri S.p.A. to provide technical assistance and essential expertise in the construction of the seven frigates using the "modular construction" methodology.[15] [16]

Naming

The P-17A frigates were named after the former-s, which served in the IN between 1972 and 2013; the first six ships of the series were allotted the names utilised by the older class, namely –,, ,, Dunagiri, and Vindhyagiri.[17] The seventh and final vessel of the P-17A series, which did not have a namesake from the older class, was given the new name of Mahendragiri.[18]

Instrumentation

Armament

Anti-surface warfare

As part of its anti-surface warfare (ASuW) capabilities, the class features eight BrahMos anti-ship cruise missiles, capable of speeds of up to Mach 3.[19] The BrahMos is widely regarded as one of the most formidable anti-ship missiles currently in service, given the missile's extreme versatility and manoeuvrability.[20]

The vessels are equipped with one OTO Melara 76 mm naval gun. Originally, the In had planned to install the Mk 45 naval gun, manufactured by BAE; however, this plan was later scrapped in 2021 on account of financial constraints.[21]

Anti-air warfare

As part of its anti-air warfare (AAW) capabilities, the class features thirty-two Barak 8ER surface-to-air missiles, with sixteen missiles present in four "2 x 4" VLS configurations – with two placed at the bow and two placed aft.[22]

The Barak 8ER, also classified as the LR-SAM, is an "extended-range" variant of the original Barak 8 – designed to neutralize various aerial threats, including fighter aircraft, helicopters, anti-ship missiles, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV); the new variant is expected to feature a range of about .[23]

Anti-submarine warfare

As part of its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, the class features two triple-tube lightweight torpedo launchers for firing ASW torpedoes. The class also features two RBU-6000 (RPK-8) anti-submarine rocket launchers, capable of firing ASW projectiles to depths of up to .[24]

Decoys

During the class' unveiling in 2018, the frigate's design was noted to possess two anti-torpedo decoy systems and four decoy launchers – which presumably may be the NSTL Maareech torpedo-countermeasure system and the Kavach anti-missile decoy launchers, respectively.[25]

Aviation facilities

As part of its aviation facilities, the class is equipped with a flight-deck and an enclosed aviation hangar, capable of accommodating a single naval helicopter – most likely the ALH Dhruv MK-III maritime-reconnaissance helicopters, or the Westland Sea King Mk. 42B ASW/ASuW helicopters – both of which are operated by the Indian Naval Air Arm.[26]

Sensors

Radar

The class features the EL/M-2248 MF-STAR active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar as its primary radar suite.[27] The EL/M-2248 is a multi-function, phased-array radar system featuring an azimuth of 360o, with the capability to track both aerial and surface targets, at a range of over .[28]

The class also features the Indra LTR-25 'Lanza' surface-search radar, as its secondary radar suite.[29] The LTR-25 is a solid-state, three-dimensional (3D), long-range radar capable of operating in a dense electronic environment and features a range of over, with the capability to track various aerial targets – including fighter aircraft and ballistic missiles.[30]

The frigates are also equipped with an advanced combat management system, classified as "CMS-17A", which is reportedly equipped with sophisticated data links for high, efficient interoperability with other naval vessels.[31]

Sonar

The class is equipped with the BEL HUMSA-NG sonar, developed by the DRDO. The HUMSA-NG is a hull mounted "active cum passive" integrated sonar system capable of detecting, localizing, classifying and tracking sub-surface targets in both active and passive modes.[32]

Electronic warfare

The frigates feature the Shakti electronic warfare (EW) suite – developed by the Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL), for defense against anti-ship missiles and for the interception, detection, classification, identification and jamming of conventional radars.[33] Shakti is equipped with wide-band electronic-support measures (ESM), electronic countermeasures (ECM), an integrated "Radar Finger Printing System (RFPS)" and a data-recording replay feature for "post-mission analysis".[34] [35]

Propulsion

Each frigate features two General Electric LM2500 gas turbines – manufactured by GE Aviation and two MAN 12V28/33D STC four-stroke engines – manufactured by MAN Diesel & Turbo, arranged in a combined diesel and gas (CODAG) propulsion configuration.[36]

In December 2016, the IN contracted GE Aviation to supply fourteen LM2500 gas turbines for the seven frigates, which were license-assembled in India by the Industrial & Marine Gas Turbine Division (IMGT) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).[37] Under the deal, HAL was additionally sanctioned to provide comprehensive services – including the supply of spare parts, maintenance inspections and equipment overhauls.[38]

At the time of the order, HAL had already delivered eleven LM2500 turbines to the IN; the turbines are specifically used on multiple Indian warships, most notably on the Shivalik-class frigates.[39]

In February 2019, MDL contracted GE to supply an assortment of auxiliary equipment to the IN to support the fourteen engines; under the agreement, GE also handled the design work of the frigate's auxiliary system and its fuel supply system.[40]

In May 2016, the IN contracted MAN Diesel & Turbo to supply fourteen MAN 12V28/33D STC four-stroke engines for the seven frigates; under the deal, the requisite parts needed for the engines were sourced from India, while the engines' final assembly and testing were conducted at MAN's facility in Aurangabad, India.[41]

History

Background

In June 2009, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) – the main acquisition panel subordinate to India's Ministry of Defence (MoD), cleared a proposal for the procurement of seven stealth frigates at a cost of crore – classified as "Project 17A" – on the lines of the IN's initiative of establishing a 160-ship fleet.[42]

In September 2012, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) – India's top decision-making institution on matters related to defense and national security, green-lighted the proposal for the "development cum construction" of the seven frigates.[43] Initially, the IN favoured a proposal of building the first two frigates at a foreign shipyard – seeking to minimize the project's overall construction timeline; however, this suggestion was overruled by India's Ministry of Defence (MoD) – which favoured indigenous production of the frigates.[44]

The seven frigates were envisioned as a "follow-on series" to the Shivalik-class frigates (Project 17), which were also being built for the IN at the time, but equipped with more sophisticated capabilities.[45] The designing-process of the seven frigates was completed in mid-2013.[46] The project – consisting of the construction of the seven designated frigates over a span of five years – was formally approved by the CCS in February 2015.[47]

Construction

The seven frigates are to be jointly constructed by two public-sector shipyards, namely, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), with four of the frigates allotted to MDL and the remaining three allotted to GRSE.[48]

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers

In February 2015, the IN contracted Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), a Kolkata-based public-sector shipyard, to build three P-17A frigates at an estimated cost of ₹19,294 crore.[49] According to the terms of the contract, GRSE is slated to deliver the three frigates in 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively. In preparation for the order, GRSE re-augmented its infrastructure by establishing newer "modular" shipyards along with a Goliath gantry crane, meant for enabling the construction of the frigates in a short time frame.[50]

A significant proportion of the hull's blocks needed for the vessel's construction was procured from smaller shipyards and metal fabrication shops in and around Kolkata, while the construction/fabrication of additional infrastructure was done at GRSE's Rajabagan shipyard.[51]

The construction of the first frigate began in November 2018, while work on the second and third frigates began in January 2020 and March 2021, respectively.[52] The first of the three frigates, Himgiri, was launched on 14 December 2020, with its delivery slated to occur for August 2023.[53] The second frigate, Dunagiri, was launched on 15 June 2022, with its delivery slated to occur in 2024.[54]

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited

In February 2015, the IN contracted Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), a Mumbai-based public-sector shipyard, to build four P-17A frigates at an estimated cost of over ₹21,000 crore.[55] [56] According to the terms of the contract, MDL is to deliver the four frigates in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively.[57]

The four frigates were built at different locations, namely, at MDL's main shipbuilding facility in Mumbai, at MDL's subordinate facility in Nhava, at a smaller shipbuilding facility also operated by MDL in Mumbai, at an MSE shipyard in Gujarat and at another shipyard in Goa.[58] Similarly to GRSE, MDL also upgraded its existing infrastructure; the shipyard augmenting its existing facilities with newer equipment, including a "Goliath" gantry crane, a module workshop, a wet basin and a "cradle assembly" shop, meant to facilitate modular construction.[59]

The construction of the first frigate began in December 2017, while work on the second, third and fourth frigates began in May 2019, September 2020 and June 2022, respectively.[60] [61] The first of the four frigates, Nilgiri, was launched on 28 September 2019, with its delivery slated to occur in August 2022.[62] The second frigate of the four frigates, Udaygiri, was launched on 17 May 2022, in a ceremony coinciding with the launch of, a .[63] The third frigate, Taragiri, was launched on 11 September 2022, and is scheduled to be delivered in 2025.[64]

Ships in the class

!Name!Pennant!Yard Number!Builder!Laid Down!Launched!Commissioning!Status
Nilgiri12651Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)28 December 2017[65] 28 September 2019[66] [67] Mid 2024 (expected) [68] Launched
Udaygiri126527 May 2019[69] 17 May 2022[70] [71] 2025 (expected)[72]
Taragiri1265310 September 2020[73] 11 September 2022 [74] 2026 (expected)[75]
Mahendragiri1265428 June 2022[76] 1 September 2023[77] [78] [79] 2027 (expected)[80]
Himgiri3022Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE)10 November 2018[81] 14 December 2020[82] [83] Mid 2025 (expected) [84]
Dunagiri302324 January 2020[85] 15 July 2022[86] Q1 2026 (expected)[87]
Vindhyagiri30245 March 2021[88] 17 August 2023[89] Q3 2026 (expected)

See also

Frigates of comparable configurations and capabilities

Other references to the Indian Navy

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited – Products – Naval Ships. mazagondock.in.
  2. Web site: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. – Product Profile – Frigate. grse.in.
  3. Web site: Giovanni . 2023-08-31 . India to Launch Final Shivalik-Class Frigate on Friday . 2023-08-31 . Defense aerospace . en-US.
  4. Web site: Launch of the warship Mahendragiri in Mumbai . 2023-09-01.
  5. Web site: Launch of the warship Mahendragiri in Mumbai . 2023-09-01.
  6. Web site: Defence Ministry set to clear ₹70,000 crore frigates' order - The Economic Times . 2024-07-18 . m.economictimes.com.
  7. Web site: Menon . Adithya Krishna . 2023-08-13 . India Proceeds with New Submarines, Surface Ships Development . 2024-07-18 . Naval News . en-US.
  8. News: ‘Most advanced ships to be built in India’: Defence ministry to clear mega Rs 70,000 crore order for new stealth warships . 2024-07-18 . The Times of India . 0971-8257.
  9. Web site: Project 17-A Nilgiri-Class Frigates. naval-technology.com. 10 October 2019.
  10. Web site: P-17A Frigate Unveiled. c4defence.com. 26 April 2018.
  11. Web site: India's second Project P17A Nilgiri-class guided missile frigate launched. asiapacificdefensejournal.com. 31 December 2020.
  12. Web site: INS 'Himgiri', Indian Navy's advanced P17A-class stealth frigate, launched at GRSE yard – here's all you need to know. freepressjournal.com. 14 December 2020.
  13. Web site: MDL Augmented To Build 11 Submarines And 10 Ships at Any Given Time: R-Admiral AK Saxena, Director, Mazagon Dock. businessworld.com. 31 October 2020.
  14. Web site: Indian Navy's Project 17A Stealth Frigate Launched. defenseworld.net. 14 December 2020.
  15. Web site: Fincantieri To Collaborate with the Indian Shipyards MDL and GRSE for the Navy's Frigates. fincantieri.com. 21 December 2015.
  16. Web site: Mazagon Dock Teams Up With Italian Fincantieri To Build Stealth Frigates For Indian Navy. defenseworld.net. 24 March 2016.
  17. Web site: Navy to name 7th frigate in P17A series as 'Mahendragiri'. theweek.in. 4 April 2020.
  18. Web site: Indian Navy to name 7th frigate in P17A series as 'Mahendragiri'. economictimes.indiatimes.com. 23 September 2019.
  19. Web site: 'Indigenously designed' BrahMos to equip Talwar-class frigates. business-standard.com. 1 December 2018.
  20. Web site: Bullseye: The 5 Most Deadly Anti-Ship Missiles of All Time. nationalinterest.com. 13 March 2015.
  21. Web site: Navy to scrap plans to procure guns from US, considering 'Make in India' route now. theprint.in. 2 August 2021.
  22. Web site: Indo-Israeli Barak 8 missile: Indian Navy to test long-range SAM soon. economictimes.indiatimes.com. 14 July 2018.
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  25. Web site: India Revealed P-17A Frigate Configuration At Defexpo 2018. worldnavalnews.com. 30 November 2018.
  26. Web site: Very Significant About The P-17A Frigates – Sandeep Unnithan. Twitter. 17 September 2019.
  27. Web site: Indian launches new Project 17A class frigates. guardingindia.com. 14 December 2020.
  28. Web site: ELM-2248 MF-STAR Multi-Function Digital AESA Radar. iai.co.il.
  29. Web site: Kolkata shipbuilder to launch high-tech stealth warship next week. theweek.in. 11 December 2020.
  30. Web site: Lanza Radar LTR-25. indracompany.com.
  31. Web site: Project 17 A: Know about ambitious project to indigenously build advanced stealth frigates. financialexpress.com. 20 September 2019.
  32. Web site: HUMSA NG. drdo.gov.in.
  33. Web site: SHAKTI. vajiramias.com. 29 November 2019.
  34. Web site: Prime Minister to Formally Handover DRDO Designed and Developed Advanced Electronic Warfare Suite 'Shakti' for Indian Naval Ships to Chief of Naval Staff. pib.gov.in. 18 November 2021.
  35. Web site: PM Modi to handover DRDO designed advanced electronic warfare suite to Navy today. aninews.in. 19 November 2021.
  36. Web site: Nilgiri-Class (Project 17A) Frigates. naval-technology.com. 17 December 2020.
  37. Web site: LM2500 marine gas turbines to power Indian Navy's P17A stealth frigate. navaltoday.com. 8 December 2016.
  38. Web site: GE Marine to provide LM2500 gas turbines for Indian Navy. turbomachinerymag.com. 1 January 2017.
  39. Web site: LM 2500. hal-india.com.
  40. Web site: GE to Supply LM2500 Gas Turbine Auxiliary Equipment for Indian Navy's P17A Frigates. seapowermagazine.org. 8 February 2022.
  41. Web site: Indian Navy Orders MAN Medium Diesel Engines For Stealth Frigates. defenseworld.net. 18 May 2016.
  42. Web site: Archive – Navy seals 45,000-cr deal: seven warships. archive.indianexpress.com. 20 June 2009.
  43. Web site: CCNS finally kickstarts Indian Navy's Project 17A . September 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150218093318/http://www.forceindia.net/NovFeatureReport7.aspx . 18 February 2015 . dead.
  44. Web site: Project 17-A : All seven frigates to be built in India. ajaishukla.com. 20 January 2013.
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  48. Web site: Indian Navy Orders Seven New Project 17A Stealth Frigates From Local Shipyards MDL and GRSE. navyrecognition.com. 11 February 2022.
  49. Web site: GRSE Wins $3.1 Billion Indian Navy's Frigate Order. defenseworld.net. 23 April 2015.
  50. Web site: India finalizing mega stealth frigates' project for over Rs 50,000 crore. The Times of India. 9 July 2012.
  51. Web site: First GRSE-built frigate enters water. janes.com. 15 December 2020.
  52. Web site: GRSE Starts Construction of Their First P17A Frigate for the Indian Navy. navyrecognition.com. 13 November 2018.
  53. Web site: GRSE-built stealth frigate Himgiri launched; General Bipin Rawat calls it a 'historic moment'. deccanherald.com. 14 December 2020.
  54. Web site: Raksha Mantri launches Y- 3023 Dunagiri, Project 17A frigate at GRSE Ltd, Kolkata. www.pib.gov.in. 15 July 2022.
  55. Web site: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. hdfcsec.com. 15 July 2021.
  56. Web site: More than 180 contracts valued over Rs 1,96,000 crore signed with Indian Defense Industry since 2014. pib.gov.in. 5 December 2019.
  57. Web site: A Tale of Two Navies: India and China's Current Carrier and Escort Procurement. thediplomat.com. 4 August 2021.
  58. Web site: Making Waves. maritimeindia.org. 31 October 2020.
  59. Web site: Modernization and Security of Shipyards. pib.gov.in. 26 February 2016.
  60. Web site: Construction Begins on Indian Navy's Third P17A Class Stealth Frigate. naval-technology.com. 11 September 2020.
  61. Web site: MDL commences production of Y-12654, fourth ship of P17A. freepressjournal.in. 30 January 2020.
  62. Web site: India Launches 'INS Nilgiri' Stealth Frigate. defenseworld.net. 28 September 2019.
  63. Web site: INS Surat, INS Udaygiri Ready To Protect India. rediff.com. 17 May 2022.
  64. Web site: Third stealth frigate of project 17A 'Taragiri' launched. www.thehindu.com. 12 September 2022.
  65. News: Construction of P17A class stealth frigates begins . Mid Day . 29 December 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171229110312/https://www.mid-day.com/articles/construction-of-p17a-class-stealth-frigates-begins/18867199 . 29 December 2017.
  66. News: Rajnath Singh launches warship Nilgiri in Mumbai . The Times of India. Asian News international. 28 September 2019. en.
  67. Web site: 29 September 2019 . Indian Navy has launched first stealth P-17A Nilgiri-class frigate INS Nilgiri . navyrecognition.com.
  68. Web site: India Proceeds With New Submarines, Surface Ships Development. navalnews.com. 13 August 2023.
  69. Web site: Year End Review – 2019 Ministry of Defence. 2019-12-27. Keel laying ceremony of Yard 12652 (Second ship of Project 17A at M/s MDL) was held on 7 May at M/s MDL, Mumbai..
  70. Web site: Rajnath Singh launches frontline warships INS Surat, INS Udaygiri. businesstoday.in/. 17 May 2022.
  71. Web site: 17 May 2022 . CURTAIN RAISER: LAUNCH OF YD 12707(SURAT) & YD 12652 (UDAYGIRI) . pib.gov.in.
  72. Web site: Rajnath Singh launches two warships in Atmanirbhar Bharat push. hindustantimes.com. 17 May 2022.
  73. Web site: Keel laid for the third stealth frigate of Project 17A. PIB. 10 September 2020.
  74. Web site: India Launches Stealth Frigate "Taragiri" . 11 September 2022.
  75. Web site: India's MDL Launches 5th Nilgiri-Class P17A Frigate. www.navalnews.com. 11 September 2022.
  76. Web site: KEEL LAYING – SEVENTH PROJECT 17A (P17A) SHIP. PIB. 28 June 2022.
  77. Web site: Warship Mahendragiri with advanced weapons, sensors launched: Top points. Livemint. 1 September 2023. 1 September 2023.
  78. 1693938529116782709. MazagonDockLtd. Let the countdown begin as we sail closer to the historic launch of the fourth frigate of P17A by #MDL. 2023-08-22.
  79. Web site: 2023-09-01 . Indian Navy's stealth frigate Mahendragiri launched . Times of India.
  80. Web site: Investor Call Transcript August 2023. Mazagon Dock. 2023-08-11.
  81. News: Dominguez . Gabriel . GRSE lays keel for Indian Navy's second Project 17A frigate . IHS Jane's Defence Weekly . 14 November 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181114194943/https://www.janes.com/article/84579/grse-lays-keel-for-indian-navy-s-second-project-17a-frigate . 14 November 2018.
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  83. Web site: 15 December 2020 . India launches 2nd Project 17A frigate "Himgiri" . navalpost.com.
  84. Web site: GRSE to deliver first advanced guided missile frigate by mid-2025 - www.lokmattimes.com . 2024-03-14 . LOKMAT.
  85. Web site: Project 17A: GRSE starts building 2nd Advanced Stealth Frigate. psuwatch.com. 24 January 2020.
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  87. News: 21 March 2024 . GRSE Analyst meet-March 2024 .
  88. OfficialGRSE. 1367777711096164358. Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) achieved a major milestone with 'laying of the Keel' of Yard 3024 a ship of the Advanced Stealth Frigate Project, P 17A.. 5 March 2021.
  89. Web site: Indian Navy's 6th Nilgiri-Class P17A Frigate Launched By GRSE. 17 August 2023. navalnews.com.