How Capable Is the Indian Navy’s ‘INS Vindhyagiri’ Frigate?
INS Vindhyagiri: A Stealth Frigate of Technological Excellence
On August 17, 2023 The launch of the INS Vindhyagiri marks a milestone in India’s maritime prowess, as President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the frigate’s launch from the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) facility in Kolkata. As the sixth stealth frigate under Project-17 Alpha, the INS Vindhyagiri stands as a beacon of technological achievement and national pride.
Project-17 Alpha: Defining Technological Progress:
Project-17 Alpha, or the Nilgiri class frigate project, represents India’s commitment to maritime innovation. With a focus on advanced technologies, this initiative aims to construct seven new-generation stealth frigates for the Indian Navy. The project is a collaborative effort between state-run shipyards Mazagon Docks Limited (MDL) and GRSE, showcasing India’s indigenous capabilities in shipbuilding.
Stealth and Formidable Firepower:
The Nilgiri class frigates, including the INS Vindhyagiri, are engineered for stealth and versatility. These 149-meter frigates pack a powerful punch thanks to their eight BrahMos supersonic anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles. The incorporation of radar absorbent materials and a flush-deck design significantly reduces the radar cross-section (RCS), rendering the vessel less susceptible to anti-ship missile engagements.
Enhanced Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Capability:
The INS Vindhyagiri is equipped with a comprehensive anti-submarine warfare suite. The frigate has a comprehensive ASW capability thanks to its two triple-tube 324mm torpedo launchers, RBU-6000 anti-submarine launchers, and hull-mounted advanced next-generation (HUMSA-NG) sonar from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
Exceptional Situational Awareness:
The INS Vindhyagiri has outstanding situational awareness because to the Israeli EL/M-2248 Multi-function surveillance, track, and guidance radar (MF-STAR). With a range of over 400 km, it detects targets and sea-skimming anti-ship missiles. Its guidance capability for 32 Barak-8 Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) enhances anti-air capabilities, bolstering the frigate’s defensive strength.
Indigenous Combat Management System:
The INS Vindhyagiri is outfitted with the CMS-17A combat management system, an indigenously designed marvel. This system provides secure data links for seamless interoperability among various naval assets, enhancing coordination and strategic response.
Domestic Contribution: A Proud Achievement:
The INS Vindhyagiri underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance and support for domestic industries. Reports indicate that nearly 75% of the frigate’s components are sourced from domestic micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), attesting to the nation’s growing capabilities in manufacturing.
A Triumph of Innovation and Determination:
The launch of the INS Vindhyagiri is a testament to India’s strides in maritime technology and naval capabilities. With its advanced weaponry, stealth features, and cutting-edge systems, the frigate exemplifies India’s commitment to maritime security and self-reliance. As the INS Vindhyagiri embarks on its naval journey, it stands as a symbol of India’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding its waters and advancing its maritime prowess.
