The Defence Minister recently made a visit to the Indian Navy’s self-designed stealth frigate, INS ‘Shivalik’ and INS ‘Sindhukirti’. These two vessels are exceptional examples of India’s naval engineering prowess and its strategic capabilities.
INS ‘Shivalik’: Embodying Stealth and Power
INS ‘Shivalik’ represents a milestone in Indian naval history. It is the country’s first stealth frigate constructed under project 17 and boasts a staggering 80% indigenous content. The distinguishing feature of stealth frigates like Shivalik is their ability to evade detection by conventional radar and surveillance technology.
Armed with missiles, equipped for helicopter support, fitted with mounted guns, and a sophisticated combat management system, INS ‘Shivalik’ possesses the necessary tools to counter multiple threats simultaneously. This vessel is an example of advanced aerodynamics and uses specialized equipment and materials which make tracking its movements a challenging task.
India’s capability to develop a stealth warship of this magnitude places it alongside global powers such as the US, Russia, UK, France, Sweden, Japan, Italy, and China.
Project 17 – Shivalik class Frigate
The Project 17, or Shivalik class, is a series of multi-role frigates serving the Indian Navy. The series includes INS Shivalik, INS Sahyadri, and INS Satpura, with all of them proudly carrying the title of the first stealth warships built in India. Mazagon Dock Limited, one of India’s leading shipyards, constructed these historic vessels.
| Shivalik Class Frigate | Indigenous Content | In Service Since |
|---|---|---|
| INS Shivalik | 80% | 2010 |
| INS Sahyadri | 80% | 2012 |
| INS Satpura | 80% | 2011 |
INS ‘Sindhukirti’: An Old Warhorse in Modern Times
Taking pride of place among the Indian Navy’s oldest operational submarines is the INS ‘Sindhukirti’, a diesel-electric class submarine first acquired in 1990. Despite its age, INS ‘Sindhukirti’ continues to be a crucial part of the Navy’s cutting edge.
It can launch torpedoes and missiles, and even lay mines. Over the years, it has received multiple upgrades and refits, which have modernized its sensor array, weapon systems, and other key components. Thus, it was virtually rebuilt to ensure it remains an integral part of India’s naval defense capabilities.