Shivalik Class guided missile stealth 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.
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.
"Shivalik is fitted with a mix of indigenous Russian, Indian, and Western weaponry and sensor systems."
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.