Shivalik Class frigates are multirole stealth craft built for Indian Navy. They are the first Indian warships to be built with stealth features and will be the lead frigates of the country's navy during the first quarter of the 21st century. The lead ship of this class is named 'Shivalik', after the lowest of the Himalayan ranges, which extends to 2,500km. The frigates to follow were also named after other mountain ranges – 'Satpura' and 'Sahyadri'. They are being produced as an upgrade to the Talwar Class frigates, which will be succeeded by the Project 17-A Class frigates.
These frigates are 143m long and 16.9m wide. They have a displacement of 4,900t and run on gas and diesel turbines. These frigates include unique stealth features and land-attacking capabilities. Shivalik Class frigates can carry a crew of 257, including 37 officers. The structural, thermal, and acoustic stealth features make them less detectable to the enemy. Fitted with Klub anti-ship and BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles providing strong attacking capabilities. The fire control systems used on these frigates are developed by DRDO and built by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
Programme
Project 17 was conceptualised by the Indian Navy to design and build stealth frigates in India. In 1997, the Indian Government approved the order for three frigates. In February 1998, regarding the same order, a letter of intent was released to the shipbuilders Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL).
The Directorate of Naval Design (DND) framed the initial design for the Project 17 Class frigates. This design required 5,000t stealth frigates with advanced suppression and management features. The final and detailed design was developed by MDL.
In 1999, the Indian Navy placed an order for three frigates under Project 17. Production began in 2000 due to the delays of design inputs for weapons suite by the Naval Design Bureau (NDB), changes in the hull steel specifications, and delivery delay of high-strength D-40S steel from Russia. To overcome the steel supply problems, the required AB-grade steel was indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Steel Authority of India.
Orders and deliveries
In 1997, the Government of India placed an order worth Rs 8.1bn with MDL to construct and deliver three frigates under Project-17. Each
frigate is expected to cost $650mn.
Construction
The vessels were built in 172 modules through modular construction. Construction of the first frigate began in December 2000. In July 2001, the keel of this frigate was laid, and it was launched and named Shivalik in April 2003. In February 2009, the frigate underwent sea trials and it is expected to be commissioned in November 2009.
The keel of the second frigate, Satpura, was laid in 2002 and launched in 2004. It is expected to face sea trials in 2009 and be commissioned in 2010. Third frigate Sahyadri's keel was laid in 2003, then launched in 2005. It will face sea trials in 2010 and is expected to be launched in 2011. All three frigates will receive the initials 'INS' (Indian Naval Ship) when they are commissioned with the Indian Navy.
Countermeasures / sensors
These frigates are mounted with MR-760 Fregat M2EM 3-D radar, an air search radar, HUMSA (hull-mounted sonar array) and ATAS / Thales Sintra towed array systems, BEL Aparna fire control radar and BEL Ajanta weapons control radar to counter attack the enemy. The MR-760 Radar system has a range of 200 nautical miles (230.2 miles / 370.4 km). Radar system can track up to 64 targets simultaneously and can target up to 24 targets simultaneously.
Weapons
Shivalik is fitted with a mix of indigenous Russian, Indian, and Western weaponry and sensor systems. The weaponry systems include the Russian Shtil surface-to-air missile systems, Klub anti-ship cruise missiles, and Israeli Barak-I missile defence system. The Satpura frigate has weaponry worth Rs1bn including vertical-launch missiles, surface-to-air missiles, and anti-submarine systems. The radar systems and engines are further modified to reduce and avoid detection and noise levels.
Propulsion
Shivalik Class frigates are driven by two diesel and two combined diesel and gas (CODOG) engines. Two Pielstick 16 PA6 STC diesel engines delivering 7,600shp at 1,084rpm each and two GE LM2500 engines delivering 33,600shp at 3,600rpm. In March 2009, the commissioning of the first frigate was delayed due to the stoppage of fitting the turbines due to GE's failure to secure permission from the US Government for such installation. After two months, permission was granted for the installation.
Aircraft
These frigates can carry two advanced helicopters. The Shivalik will carry two HAL Dhruv or two Sea King MK42B and the Satpura will carry two K-31 Kamov helicopters.
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