LST(L) Class
INS KESARI
The LST(L) class of ships form the front line of the Indian Navy’s amphibious warfare capabilities. The five ships of this class have been indigenously designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. The LST(L)s can carry fifteen tanks, ten trucks and over two hundred troops. They have an integral commando carrying, Sea King helicopter for airborne induction and four LCAs (Landing Craft Assault) for launching amphibious assaults over the horizon. The ships have time and again played key roles in logistic support of island territories and in large seaborne movement of troops and equipment. INS Shardul, INS Kesari and INS Airavat are participating in the review.
Aircraft Carriers
INS VIKRAMADITYA
INS Vikramaditya is a modified Kiev class aircraft carrier which entered ervice with the Indian Navy in 2013. She has been named after Vikramaditya, the legendary 1st century BCE emperor of India. She was commissioned on 16 November 2013 at Severodvinsk, Russia. On 14 June 2014, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi formally inducted INS Vikramaditya into the Indian Navy and dedicated it to the nation.
With a capacity of over 8,000 tons of LSHSD, she is capable of operations over a range of 7,000 nm non-stop. The ship has the ability to carry over 30 aircraft comprising an assortment of MiG 29K/Sea Harrier fighter aircraft and Kamov 31, Kamov 28, Sea King, ALH-Dhruv and Chetak helicopters. The MiG 29K swing role fighter is the main offensive platform and provides a quantum jump for the Indian Navy’s maritime strike capability. These fourth-generation air superiority fighters provide a significant fillip for the Indian Navy with a range of over 700 nm and an array of weapons including anti-ship missiles, Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missiles, guided bombs and rockets.
INS Viraat was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 12 May 1987 and since then the ship has served as the Flagship of the Western Fleet with pride. With an overall length of 227m, breadth of 46m and displacement of 29,000 tons, the ship is capable of operating the VSTOL Sea Harrier fighter as well as the Sea King, Kamov 31, indigenous ALH and Chetak helicopters. The ship is capable of carrying 30 aircraft in various configurations. Viraat is a conventional steam propelled ship and routinely operates at sea for durations upwards of three months at a time, while sustaining speeds up to 28 knots. The ship has a complement of 150 officers and 1500 sailors complete with attendant logistics infrastructure.
Talwar Class
The Talwar class guided missile frigates were designed and built in Russia and inducted into the Indian Navy between 2003 and 2004. The Teg class guided missile frigates are the follow-on ships of the Talwar class stealth frigates and were commissioned between 2012 and 2013. These ships incorporate latest stealth features which include reduced radar, infrared, acoustic and magnetic signatures.
INS TALWAR
This is complemented by an advanced sensor suite, combat management system and an integral Airborne Early Warning Kamov 31 helicopter. In its offensive role, its formidable arsenal comprises vertical launch long range surface-to-surface missiles, long-range anti-ship and anti-submarine torpedoes and an MR gun. The ship’s impregnable defensive capability is provided by a sophisticated area defence surface-to-air missile system and two versatile CIWS complexes besides a range of hard and soft kill measures. INS Tabar, INS Teg and INS Tarkash are participating in the review.
Shivalik Class
The 5300-ton Shivalik class guided missile frigates were designed by the Indian Navy’s Design Organisation and built by Mazagon Docks Limited, Mumbai. The three ships of the class were commissioned in 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively. Stealth is a major feature in the design of these highly potent platforms. Their design also embodies features for enhanced survivability, sea keeping, ship handling and on-board habitability. With long range anti-ship missiles, she can destroy targets at extended ranges. Medium and short range surface-to-air missiles augmented by an MR gun mount and Close in Weapon Systems (CIWS), provide an impregnable shield against all threats. The ships are capable of carrying two Sea King helicopters each. All three ships of the class, INS Shivalik, INS Satpura and INS Sahyadri are participating in the review.
Brahmaputra Class
The Brahmaputra class of guided missile frigates were indigenously designed as a follow-on to the Godavari class of ships. These were built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata and inducted into service between 2000 and 2005. Like the Godavari class, these ships also derive their names from prominent rivers of India. They pack a powerful punch with their weapons and sophisticated electronic warfare suite along with modern underwater sensors. In addition, they can carry two Sea King helicopters each, thereby extending their sphere of influence and combat prowess. Their role is to influence the battle in all three dimensions at sea. The last ship of the class, INS Beas, is participating in the review.