Visakhapatnam-class destroyer explained

The Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, also classified as the P-15 Bravo class, or simply P-15B, is a class of guided-missile destroyers currently being built for the Indian Navy.[1] The Visakhapatnam class is an upgraded derivative of its predecessor, the, with improved features of stealth, automation and ordnance.[2]

Designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB), a total of four ships are being built by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL), under the Make in India initiative.[3] The first vessel of the class, was commissioned on 21 November 2021.[4] The IN plans to have all four destroyers in active service by 2024.

Design

Development

The destroyers were designed by the Warship Design Bureau, a branch of the Navy responsible for designing the service's warships, several among them including the s - India's first indigenously designed nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, - India's first indigenously designed aircraft carrier, and the s.[5]

The destroyer was designed under the codename Project 15B. The project was initiated to develop a class of destroyers that are more advanced than the Kolkata-class destroyers (P-15A), but with only several, yet incremental alterations. This was done to minimize its development costs and time.[6]

The design plans of the four vessels were completed by the WDB in mid-2013.[7]

Comparison to the Kolkata-class destroyers

The P-15B is a derivative of the Kolkata-class destroyers (P-15A), a class of three stealth guided-missile destroyers, which currently serve as the IN's frontline destroyers; both classes feature several differences, with regard to their respective designs. Some of the known changes are as follows :-

Features

Naming

In accordance with naval traditions, the P-15B destroyers were christened after major Indian cities with historical and cultural connections, namely, Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal and Surat - representing the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Manipur and Gujarat.[14] Notably, INS Imphal and INS Mormugao were the first two destroyers to be christened as namesakes of important cities from the regions of Northeastern India and Goa, respectively.[15] [16]

Instrumentation

Armament

For its anti-surface warfare (ASuW) capabilities, the class features sixteen Brahmos anti-ship cruise missiles, capable of speeds of up to Mach 3.[17] The BrahMos is widely regarded as one of the most formidable anti-ship missiles currently in service, given the missile's extreme versatility and maneuverability.[18]

Additionally, the vessels of the class 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 scrapped in 2021, on account of financial constraints.[19]

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.[20]

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 .[21]

For point defense, the vessels are equipped with four AK-630M close-in weapon systems (CIWS), with two systems on either side of the superstructure.[22]

For its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, the class features two twin torpedo launchers, designed to launch heavyweight torpedoes - such as the Varunastra heavyweight torpedo, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO).[23] The class also features two RBU-6000 (RPK-8) anti-submarine rocket launchers, capable of firing ASW projectiles to depths of up to .

As part of its aviation facilities, the class is equipped with a flight deck and an enclosed aviation hangar, capable of two medium-sized helicopters – primarily the HAL Dhruv, or the Westland Sea King Mk. 42B. Additionally, the ships are equipped with a "rail-less" helicopter traversing system, meant for securing the helicopter in case of adverse weather conditions at sea.

As for the class' defensive abilities, each destroyer is equipped with two Kavach anti-missile decoy systems for neutralizing incoming aerial threats at short ranges.[22]

Sensors

The class features the IAI EL/M-2248 MF-STAR S band active electronically scanned array radar, as its primary radar suite. 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 .[24]

The class further features the Thales (BEL RAWL-02) as its secondary radar suite.[25] The LW-08 is a solid-state, two-dimensional, long-range D band surveillance radar, meant for providing target acquisition against aerial and surface threats. It is capable of operating in a cluttered electronic environment, equipped with an instrumental range of, with the capability to track both cruise missiles and fighter aircraft.[26]

The class is equipped with the BEL HUMSA-NG sonar, a hull-mounted "active cum passive" integrated sonar system developed by the DRDO.[27] The HUMSA-NG is capable of detecting, classifying and tracking sub-surface targets in both active and passive modes, with the capability to simultaneously track up to eight targets.[28] The destroyers are also equipped with the BEL Nagin active towed array sonar.[29]

For electronic warfare (EW), the destroyers are equipped with the DRDL Shakthi EW suite, designed to provide Indian warships an electronic layer of defense against modern radars and anti-ship missiles.[30] Shakthi is equipped with wideband electronic support measures (ESM) and electronic countermeasures (ECM), meant for intercepting, classifying and jamming both conventional and modern radars.[31] Additionally, the suite is also equipped with an in-build radar fingerprinting and data recording replay feature for post-mission analysis and evaluation.[32]

History

Background

In March 2009, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the arms-procurement wing of India's Ministry of Defence, approved the procurement of four 6,800 t destroyers, to be built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL).[33]

Designed as a "follow-on" project to the Kolkata-class destroyers, the new destroyers were envisaged to feature only incremental changes to the former, in order to minimize developmental time and costs.[33] At the time of the project's approval, the four new destroyers were envisaged to be more cheaper than other destroyer classes being built at the time, namely, the s, the Daring-class destroyers and the s.[34]

No competitive bidding was conducted for the development of the vessels, since MDL was the only Indian shipyard at the time with the capability to build destroyers.[35]

The contract for the construction of the four warships was signed on 28 January 2011, at an estimated cost of .[36]

Construction

The keel of the first vessel, INS Visakhapatnam, was laid by MDL in October 2013 and the ship was launched on 20 April 2015, in a ceremony attended by then-Indian naval chief Robin K. Dhowan.[37] Originally slated to enter service in 2018, the delivery of the vessel was delayed by three years, owing to delays in the supply of the vessel's sensors and ordnance.[38]

In July 2019, a minor fire broke aboard the unfinished-Visakhapatnam, leaving one contract worker dead and another two injured.[39] Irrespectively, the fire was noted to have not caused any hindrance to the vessel's construction schedule; the shipyard's construction activities subsequently resumed without delay.[40]

Visakhapatnam completed its basin trials in December 2020 and subsequently proceeded for its sea trials in 2021. Initially scheduled to be delivered in April 2021, the vessel was delivered on October 28, owing to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.[41] On 21 November 2021, Visakhapatnam was commissioned into the IN.[42]

The second vessel of the class, Mormugao, was laid in June 2015 and launched in September of that year.[43] [44] Completing its basin trials in early-December 2021, the destroyer proceeded on its maiden sea sortie on 19 December, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of Goa Liberation Day.[45] Mormugao was delivered to the IN almost a year later, on 24 November 2022 and was commissioned on 18 December 2022.[46]

Construction work on the third vessel, INS Imphal, began with the laying of its keel in May 2017; the hull was later launched on 20 April 2019, in a ceremony attended by then-Indian naval chief Sunil Lanba,[47] and commenced sea trials on 28 April 2023.[48] The ship was delivered to the Indian Navy on 20 October 2023, and was commissioned on 26 December 2023.[49] [50]

Construction on the final vessel of the class, INS Surat, began in July 2018; the hull was subsequently launched 17 May 2022, in a ceremony coinciding with the launch of, a Nilgiri-class frigate.[51] In 18 June 2024, Surat begun her sea trials and shall be commissioned in the latter half of 2024.[52] Surat is scheduled to be commissioned in 2024.[53]

Operational history

On 11 January 2022, only two months after its commissioning, Visakhapatnam successfully test-fired an upgraded variant of the BrahMos anti-ship missile, which was subsequently followed by another successful test-fire on 18 February.[54] [55] The destroyer later took part in the 12th edition of the IN's "Presidential Fleet Review" on 21 February 2022, an event which was attended by Indian president Ram Nath Kovind and Indian naval chief R. Hari Kumar.[56]

On 14 May 2023, INS Mormugao successfully fired BrahMos Supersonic cruise missile.[57] It successfully carried out the engagement of a sea-skimming supersonic target with its MRSAM missile on 23 May 2023.[58]

Ships in the class

NamePennantYard NoBuilderLaid downLaunchedCommissioned HomeportStatus
D6612704Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)12 October 2013[59] [60] 20 April 2015[61] 21 November 2021[62] [63] MumbaiActive
D67127054 June 2015[64] 17 September 2016[65] 24 December 2022 [66] [67]
D681270619 May 2017[68] 20 April 2019[69] [70] 26 December 2023 [71]
D691270719 July 2018[72] 17 May 2022[73] [74] 2024 (Estimated)Sea trials[75]

See also

Other references to the Indian Navy

Other destroyers of comparable configurations and capabilities

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: INS Visakhapatnam Commissioned into the Indian Navy: November 2021 . 24 November 2021 .
  2. Web site: Indian Navy Commissions First P15B Destroyer INS Visakhapatnam . 21 November 2021 .
  3. Web site: Indian Navy to commission first of four Visakhapatnam class destroyers on Nov 21 .
  4. Web site: Indian Navy Receives Indigenous Guided-Missile Destroyer . 2 November 2021 .
  5. Web site: Naval Designers' Journey From Nilgiri to Project 15B. www.spsnavalforces.com.
  6. Web site: Indigenous Destroyer 'Imphal' Delivered . 2024-06-15 . www.spsnavalforces.com.
  7. Web site: Project 15B Visakhapatnam-class - Program. www.globalsecurity.org.
  8. Web site: Vavasseur . Xavier . 2021-11-21 . Indian Navy Commissions First P15B Destroyer INS Visakhapatnam . 2024-06-15 . Naval News . en-US.
  9. Web site: INS Vishakhapatnam — New era of force projection. www.spsnavalforces.com. 21 April 2015.
  10. Web site: INS Visakhapatnam: India's Most Potent Destroyer. www.rediff.com. 23 November 2021.
  11. Web site: 5 Things That Make INS Vishakhapatnam Deadly Combination of Lethality And Stealth. www.india.com. 22 November 2021.
  12. Web site: Project 15B Guided Missile Destroyers. www.naval-technology.com. 19 September 2016.
  13. Web site: Indian Navy commissions stealth guided missile destroyer 'Vikramaditya'. www.domain-b.com. 21 November 2021.
  14. Web site: From INS Vikrant to INS Imphal, how names of Indian Navy ships have evolved over the years. www.theprint.in. 25 April 2019.
  15. Web site: In a First, Indian Navy Names Warship After Northeast City. www.thewire.in. 22 April 2019.
  16. Web site: New Navy destroyer to be named after Goa port. www.deccanherald.com. 24 August 2016.
  17. Web site: The BRAVO and the BRAHMOS. www.brahmand.com. 22 April 2015.
  18. Web site: Bullseye: The 5 Most Deadly Anti-Ship Missiles of All Time. www.Bullseye: The 5 Most Deadly Anti-Ship Missiles of All Time. 13 March 2015.
  19. News: Snehesh. Alex Philip. Navy to scrap plans to procure guns from US, considering 'Make in India' route now. ThePrint. https://web.archive.org/web/20210802041538/https://theprint.in/defence/navy-to-scrap-plans-to-procure-guns-from-us-considering-make-in-india-route-now/706730/. 2 August 2021.
  20. Web site: Indian Navy receives first P15B guided-missile destroyer. Indian Navy receives first P15B guided-missile destroyer. 31 October 2021.
  21. Web site: Indian Navy successfully tests Barak 8 interceptor missile: All you need to know. indiatoday.in. 30 December 2015.
  22. Web site: INS Vishakhapatnam | Vizag has Risen. 21 November 2020.
  23. Web site: INS Visakhapatnam: Indian Navy's new stealth destroyer - INS Visakhapatnam.
  24. Web site: ELM-2248 MF-STAR Multi-Function Digital AESA Radar. iai.co.il.
  25. Web site: Staff . Naval News . 2023-10-20 . MDL delivers 3rd Visakhapatnam-class destroyer to Indian Navy . 2024-06-15 . Naval News . en-US.
  26. Web site: Jupiter - Radar Basics . 2024-06-15 . www.radartutorial.eu . de.
  27. Web site: HUMSA NG Defence Research and Development Organisation - DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India . 2024-06-15 . www.drdo.gov.in.
  28. Web site: HUMSA-NG (MK 2) . 2024-06-15 . BEL . en-US.
  29. Web site: INS Visakhapatnam:- India's Most Powerful Stealth Guided Missile P15B Destroyer. 24 December 2016.
  30. 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 . 2024-06-15 . pib.gov.in.
  31. Web site: PM Modi hands over advanced Electronic Warfare System 'Shakti'. www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 19 November 2021.
  32. Web site: PM Modi to handover DRDO designed advanced electronic warfare suite to Navy today. ANI News.
  33. Web site: Project 15-B: Navy's destroyer project sets sail - Broadsword by Ajai Shukla - Strategy. Economics. Defence. .
  34. Web site: INS Visakhapatanam shows growing Indian ability to build warships economically. www.ajaishukla.com. 21 April 2015.
  35. Web site: Navy's destroyer project sets sail. www.rediff.com. 31 March 2009.
  36. Web site: Construction of Destroyer Surat and Frigate Udaygiri in advance stage, to be sea-launched next week. www.newindianexpress.com. 14 May 2022.
  37. Web site: India's largest warship, INS Visakhapatnam, unveiled in Mazgaon. www.hindustantimes.com. 20 April 2015.
  38. Web site: Delivery of navy's destroyers delayed. www.deccanherald.com. 19 December 2017.
  39. Web site: 1 dead in INS Visakhapatnam fire; inquiry on.. www.economictimes.indiatimes.com. 22 June 2019.
  40. Web site: No impact of fire on completion schedule of warship 'Visakhapatnam': Officials. www.economictimes.indiatimes.com. 22 June 2019.
  41. Web site: Indian Navy Looks Ahead To Fleet Expansion With INS Visakhapatnam Delivery. www.overtdefense.com. 2 November 2021.
  42. Web site: INS Visakhapatnam commissioned into Indian Navy in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai . 2022-11-26 . pib.gov.in.
  43. Web site: Indian Navy launches Mormugao, 2nd warship of Visakhpatnam class, in Mumbai. www.livemint.com. 17 September 2016.
  44. Web site: In pics: Mormugao, Indian Navy's guided missile destroyer, launched. 17 September 2016.
  45. Web site: Mormugao, Indian Navy's Second Ship of the Project 15B, Sails for Maiden Sea Trials on Goa Liberation Day .
  46. Web site: DELIVERY OF THE SECOND SHIP OF PROJECT 15B Y 12705 (MORMUGAO) . 2022-11-26 . pib.gov.in.
  47. Web site: Indian Navy launches new stealthy guided missile destroyer — INS Imphal. www.theweek.in. 20 April 2019.
  48. Web site: IMPHAL, INDIAN NAVY'S THIRD SHIP OF PROJECT 15B SAILS FOR MAIDEN SEA TRIALS . 2023-04-28 . pib.gov.in.
  49. Web site: Fast-Track Construction of Indian Navy's Stealth Destroyers. www.cscr.pk. 17 January 2022.
  50. Web site: THIRD PROJECT 15B INDIGENOUS DESTROYER IMPHAL DELIVERED TO INDIAN NAVY. 20 Oct 2023. 21 Oct 2023.
  51. Web site: India Launches 4th P15B Destroyer And 2nd P17A Frigate. www.navalnews.com. 18 May 2022.
  52. 1802672516533723195 . indiannavy .
    1. Surat will be the next major combatant to join the #IndianNavy's arsenal. The ship commenced her maiden sea trials prior induction. Named after the vibrant city of #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 #AatmanirbharBharat.
    . 2024-06-17.
  53. News: Shukla . Ajai . 23 May 2022 . Rajnath Singh to launch two India-made warships in Mumbai on Tuesday . Business Standard India .
  54. News: Indian Navy test-fires BrahMos supersonic missile onboard INS Visakhapatnam. Naval Technology. 12 January 2022.
  55. Web site: BrahMos supersonic missile successfully test-fired from INS Visakhapatnam. www.livemint.com. 18 February 2022.
  56. Web site: 20 February 2022. CHIEF OF NAVAL STAFF REVIEWS PREPARATIONS OF PRESIDENT'S FLEET REVIEW. pib.gov.in.
  57. Web site: BrahMos supersonic missile firing from INS Mormugao hits 'bull's eye' . 2023-06-12 . India Today . en.
  58. Web site: vipin.vijayan . MRSAM missile fired from INS Mormugao takes out supersonic target (WATCH) . 2023-06-12 . Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd . en.
  59. News: Keel Laid for P15 Bravo Ships. https://web.archive.org/web/20180222192211/http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=pastissues2&BaseHref=TOIM%2F2013%2F10%2F25&ViewMode=HTML&PageLabel=28&EntityId=Ar02806&AppName=2. dead. 22 February 2018. The Times of India. 25 October 2013. Mumbai.
  60. News: Mazagon Dock Keel Laying Ceremony. https://web.archive.org/web/20140202183511/http://www.mazagondock.gov.in/newsite2010/pdfs/msg/KEEL%20LAID%20FOR%20YARD%2012704.pdf. 2 February 2014. dead.
  61. Web site: First Indian Navy Project 15B – Visakhapatnam-class Destroyer Launched . 21 April 2015.
  62. News: Navy to commission 'vigilant', 'valiant' INS Visakhapatnam in Mumbai today. Hindustan Times. 21 November 2021. 21 November 2021.
  63. News: INS Visakhapatnam: Navy to commission missile destroyer ship today. 5 points. Mint. 21 November 2021. 21 November 2021.
  64. Web site: Mazagon Dock News. mazagondock.gov.in. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. https://web.archive.org/web/20160924062010/http://www.mazagondock.gov.in/newsite2010/pdfs/msg/Keel_Laying_705.pdf. 24 September 2016.
  65. News: Second warship of Visakhapatnam class launched in Mumbai. The Hindu Business Line. PTI. 17 September 2016. en.
  66. Web site: INS Mormugao: Indian Navy to commission the warship on Dec 18. Free Press Journal. Shaikh. Ateeq. 2022-12-03.
  67. Web site: Second Project 15B Destroyer Delivered To The Indian Navy. www.navalnews.com. 24 November 2022.
  68. Web site: Keel laid for the third ship of P15B class destroyers. The Free Press Journal. 26 May 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170922205106/http://www.freepressjournal.in/fpjgallery/picture.php?%2F8173. 22 September 2017. 26 May 2017. dead.
  69. News: Sagar . Pradip . Indian Navy launches new stealthy guided missile destroyer — INS Imphal . The Week . 20 April 2019 . en.
  70. Web site: 21 April 2019 . Indian Navy launches guided missile destroyer INS Imphal . www.thehindu.com.
  71. Web site: Bose . Mrityunjay . Imphal missile destroyer to be commissioned to Indian Navy on Dec 26 . 2023-12-16 . Deccan Herald . en.
  72. 1460507800879075330. ANI. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will formally Commission INS Vishakhapatnam on Nov 21 in Mumbai. The next warships of the class would be named after important cities in the country including Mormogao, Imphal, and Surat: Navy Vice Admiral SN Ghormade. 2021-11-16.
  73. News: Dhar . Aniruddha . Rajnath Singh launches India-made 'Surat' and 'Udaygiri' warships in Mumbai . Hindustan Times . 17 May 2022 . en.
  74. Web site: 23 May 2022 . Watc - Surat & Udaygiri: India's new indigenous warships . www.thehindu.com.
  75. Web site: DeshGujarat . 2024-06-17 . Surat to be the next major combatant to join Indian Navy's arsenal . 2024-06-17 . DeshGujarat . en-US.

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