21.09.2009
The float-out ceremony of the second out of three Project-15A low-observable destroyers took place at Mazagon Dock Ltd in Mumbai on Sept, 18, says Press Information Bureau. In the course of the ceremony the ship which keel had been laid down in October, 2005 gained a name of Kochi.
The ship is an advanced version of
Delhi-class destroyers are presently in service. Currently, there are three destroyers of this type in Indian Navy –
Delhi,
Maisur, and
Mumbai – constructed in India under
Project-15 program.
The
Mazagon Dock company is currently working on construction of three
Project-15A destroyers. Total cost of the project approved by Indian government in 2000 makes 84.6 bln rupees. Project development of destroyer was performed by Indian DND.
The company began construction of the first
Calcutta-class destroyer under
Project-15A in September, 2003. The vessel was floated out in March, 2006 being 30% ready.
Calcutta is presently being equipped with necessary facilities. The keel of third ship was laid down in February, 2006.
According to ground-plans, the
Project-15A ships were planned to be entered into Indian Navy in May, 2010, 2011 and 2012. However, various delays brought manufacturer to postpone the delivery date of first destroyer on 3 years, i.e. in 2013. Among the reasons of delay are insufficient financing of engines and shafts procurement, technical problems with weapons systems, sensors and combat control system.
Calcutta-class destroyer is a vessel with the length is 163 m, width is 17.4 m and draft is 6 800 t; it is capable to carry two multipurpose helicopters for antisubmarine warfare. The vessel is equipped with two gas turbine power plants enabling to gain the speed over 30 knots. The stealth technology was also applied.
The ships are armed with 16 supersonic cruise missiles
PJ-10 BrahMos, antisubmarine rocket launchers, 28 long-range SAM (probably
Barak-NG), multifunction radar
MF-Star EL/M-2248 by
Elta Systems company providing exact coordinates detection of surface and aerial targets. Moreover, the ship will get four shipborne artillery systems
AK-630 and mid-range artillery system, national coupled torpedo launchers, hull-mounted underwater sound system
HUMSA-NG made by
NPOL laboratory.
Indian Navy command also expects
Mazagon Dock to offer the cost of three new destroyers planned to be constructed under
Project-15B program. According to expectations, the official construction contract of these ships is to be signed by the end of 2009.
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