Severodvinsk shipbuilders upgrade diesel sub for India

08.06.2010 Fifth diesel electric submarine of Indian Navy is being modernized at Zvezdochka Ship Repair Center in Severodvinsk. The corresponding contract has been signed in Delhi, said Nadezhda Scherbinina, director of the shipyard's press service.

"Contract on upgrading INS Sindurakshak is for the first time signed without intermediary of Rosoboronexport", noted the shipyard's official. "Zvezdochka shipyard enjoys the right of independent foreign economic activity given by the President of the Russian Federation", she said. Modernization of Project 877EKM submarine INS Sindurakshak (stands for Sea Giant) will take 2-2.5 years. "The sub is planned to be delivered to Severodvinsk late June", said Scherbinina.

Being specialized in overhaul and utilization of nuclear-powered submarines, Zvezdochka shipyard has upgraded four Indian diesel electric submarines. The shipyard also continues repair and modernization of similar submarine INS Sindukirti in her basing site Vishakhapatnam, India.

All these submarines are Russian-made Project 887EKM (Kilo class) developed by Rubin design bureau, St. Petersburg. They are designed for antisubmarine and antiship warfare; defense of naval bases, coastal and sea lines of communication; reconnaissance and patrol operations. Such submarines have displacement of 2,300 tons; length of 72.6 meters; submerged speed of 19 knots (about 35 kph); test depth of 300 meters; crew of 52; endurance of 45 days. Armament includes six 533-mm torpedo tubes. In the course of modernization subs are equipped with advanced Russian Club-S cruise missile system with firing range of about 200 km, Indian sonars and radio communication systems.