The Indian Navy’s Carrier Battle Groups (CBGs) are a testament to India’s maritime strength in an era where naval supremacy is shaped by technological innovation and strategic foresight. At the core of these formidable fleets is the aircraft carrier, the epitome of naval power, whose protection is paramount. Safeguarding these assets requires a sophisticated, multi-layered air defence network meticulously designed to neutralise threats at various ranges. Each network component is vital for intercepting enemy aircraft, missiles, and drones, thereby preserving the carrier’s operational integrity. As the Indian Navy progresses in its modernisation efforts, the introduction of the P17A class frigates, also known as the Nilgiri class, will represent a significant leap in fortifying this defensive architecture, ensuring that India’s naval forces remain at the forefront of maritime warfare.
Nilgiri Class Frigates: The First Line of Defence
The Nilgiri class frigates are poised to transform the dynamics of the Indian Navy’s air defence by functioning as the first line of defence, akin to the larger Kolkata-class and Visakhapatnam-class destroyers. These frigates are equipped with the MF-STAR multi-function digital radar, renowned for its long-range detection and tracking capabilities. This advanced radar system can simultaneously detect and track multiple targets, providing early warning and engagement opportunities against incoming threats.
While the existing Indian Navy frigates and Delhi class destroyers are armed with the Russian Shtil-1 SAM system, which has a range of 50 kilometres, the Nilgiri class frigates will be armed with Barak 8 long-range surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), which are currently being carried by Kolkata and Visakhapatnam class destroyers. The Barak 8 system, developed in collaboration with Israel, offers a range of up to 100 kilometres and can engage a variety of aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, anti-ship missiles, and UAVs. It places the Nilgiri class on par with the frontline destroyers of the Indian Navy, effectively serving as the first line of defence within the Carrier Battle Group (CBG).
Furthermore, following the Visakhapatnam class destroyers, the Nilgiri class frigates will be equipped with the cutting-edge Shakti electronic warfare (EW) system. The Shakti system enhances the frigates’ ability to detect, intercept, and counteract electronic threats, providing an additional layer of defence against enemy sensors and guided munitions.
Advanced Capabilities of Nilgiri Class Frigates
Beyond their advanced air defence capabilities, the Nilgiri class frigates epitomise the pinnacle of technological advancement within the Indian Navy, integrating a host of cutting-edge features that enhance their operational prowess. Engineered with a focus on stealth, these vessels employ angular hulls and superstructures that reduce radar cross-section, ensuring optimal survivability in hostile maritime environments.
Powered by a sophisticated combined diesel and gas (CODAG) propulsion system, these formidable warships achieve speeds of up to 28 knots. This capability facilitates seamless integration within carrier battle groups, ensuring agile manoeuvrability and operational flexibility in diverse naval environments.
Equipped with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system, these frigates possess formidable offensive capabilities. They can conduct precise and devastating strikes against both land and sea targets.
For anti-submarine warfare (ASW), the Nilgiri class frigates feature the indigenously developed HUMSA NG. This cutting-edge hull-mounted sonar system enhances their ability to detect and track submarines. They will also be armed with torpedo launchers and ASW rocket launchers, further bolstering their capability to counter underwater threats effectively.
Cost and Construction Schedule
The P17A class frigate project, a significant modernisation investment for the Indian Navy, is a collaborative effort costing around Rs 45,000 crore ($6 billion) for seven frigates. Construction is shared between Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai (4 frigates) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata (3 frigates). The first frigate, INS Nilgiri, being built by MDL, was launched in September 2019 and is expected to be delivered in the second half of 2024, with GRSE’s first ship scheduled for delivery next year. All frigates are expected to be commissioned by 2027, marking a significant enhancement of naval capabilities with advanced technologies and systems that exemplify the Nilgiri class.
Vinay Sadham
