Friends!
I love when i hear news like this where price is a little too much! 1B USD is way too much. IF the price was quoted in INR I would have accepted that cos USD has not appreciated since then therefore steep appreciation in price in USD terms looks fishy. So i did some research and came up with these 5 reasons for the hefty payment
- The Anti-Sub capability is below par in Krivak. They can be targeted by subs having torpedos beyond 10 Km range. The extra money is to include a better ASW capability that will then become the standard for rest of Indian ships. Various IN ships face a lack of powerful anti-sub punch so this follow on deal is a way to get hands on advanced ASW tech.
- Second Nuke boat will be funded using this additional money. (Why would navy wait for 3rd frigate to be delivered to place a follow on order. It makes little sense for prodcuction and suppllychain point of view. It would have made more sense for IN to place the order last year itself after having received 4 Krivaks. They are waiting for russians to come back with the quote for second INS Chakra completion)
- They are not seeking help for second INS Arihant. Indians are fairly confident on the capabilities and their ability to deliver. The technology seed for advanced nuke subs has already been sown and DRDO doesn't need more help to expedite things.
- Brahmos is not the reason for hike in prices. A pack of 8 Brahmos vis-a vis Klub costs only approx. 10M USD more
- These ships might get the advanced Barak missile for Anti Air role. Some money will move into Israeli hands.
- There is one extremely important component that i am still researching about. I am not sure about it but will post once i learn more. It has something to do with rocket propelled torpedo tech!!!
More later!