It took 19 years for Indian Navy to commission three non-stealth Brahmaputra Class Frigates....
They were the Prequel to the current "Make in India" story. Since then Indian warship building has indeed come a long way.....
From 19 years that made the Brahmaputra class ships, It took 16 years for Shivalik (P-17) class stealth frigates....
Each class had three warships.
Now here is the catch - It will take only 11 years (from design board to commissioning) for next generation stealth frigates - Project 17A & not just three but seven of them!!
The plan is that two shipyards - MDL, Mumbai & GRSE, Kolkata, four & three respectively. This added to the adoption of modular shipbuilding is speeding the entire process manifold.
What's stealthy about Project-17As??
- Missile silos flush with the deck.
- Torpedo launches blending along the sides of the vessel.
- Concealed hangar for a Kamov Helicopter.
What's Modular Construction??
Modular construction involves assembling a ship using 300-ton blocks, constructed to exacting standards. The blocks are constructed elsewhere complete with all the piping, electrical wiring & fitments that go into the section of the ship. During assembly, the piping & wiring comes together end to end.
All seven ships are expected to be inducted by 2021-22 at nearly $1 billion each!!
Barak-2 + Brahmos 2 +2248 MF STAR + 110 Complement + High level of automation among others make sure that these ships will be king of Blue Ocean!!
Yes, Indian warship building has indeed comes of age....
******HJ******