Military 101: The Power Of The Indian Navy: The Latest Destroyers' Capabilities And Arsenal

INS Kolkata BrahMos Missiles Indian Navy Weapon Pakatan RMN

INS Kolkata is the lead ship of the Kolkata-class stealth guided-missile destroyers of the Indian Navy and was designed & built in India. Launched in 2006 and commissioned in 2014, it represents a significant advancement in the Indian Navy’s surface warfare capabilities. The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including the BrahMos missiles (being test-fired above) and advanced radar systems. Image source: Naval News

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1. Introduction to the Indian Navy

2. The Visakhapatnam Class

Introduction to the Indian Navy

The Indian Navy has played a pivotal role in the defense and maritime security of India since its independence in 1947. Initially part of the Royal Indian Navy, which was divided between India and Pakistan, the Indian segment was formally named the Indian Navy in 1950. The Navy has been an integral part of India’s military engagements, including Operation Vijay in 1961 to annex Goa and the Indo-Pakistani Wars of 1965 and 1971. The latter war saw the Indian Navy execute a daring attack on Karachi port under Operation Trident, which significantly weakened Pakistani forces.

As of April 2024, the Indian Navy has a diverse and modern fleet comprising various classes of ships to fulfill different roles and responsibilities. The Indian Navy’s current fleet includes 12 state-of-the-art guided-missile destroyers, spanning four distinct classes: the Visakhapatnam, Kolkata, Delhi, and Rajput. The Visakhapatnam class, an advanced stealth destroyer, is the latest addition, designed to enhance the Navy’s capabilities with improved stealth features and sophisticated weaponry.

The Kolkata class, preceding the Visakhapatnam, is known for its significant displacement and formidable armament. The Delhi class marked India’s foray into indigenous destroyer construction, showcasing the nation’s growing self-reliance in warship building. The Rajput class, built with considerable Indian modifications to the Soviet Kashin-class design, represents the enduring collaboration between India and Russia in defense technology.

The destroyers led by the Visakhapatnam class and 13 frigates, provide a mix of anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The Indian Navy also maintains a formidable submarine fleet, with 4 nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines and 18 conventionally powered attack submarines, ensuring strategic deterrence and underwater combat prowess.

Additionally, the fleet is rounded out with 20 corvettes and 10 large offshore patrol vessels, which are vital for coastal defense and patrolling duties. The logistical needs are met by five fleet tankers, alongside various auxiliary vessels and small patrol boats that complete the operational requirements of the Indian Navy.

Over the years, the Indian Navy has evolved into a blue-water force, capable of operating globally. It has expanded its fleet with advanced warships, submarines, and aircraft, reflecting India’s growing technological prowess and strategic reach. The Navy also plays a crucial role in humanitarian missions and disaster relief, showcasing India’s commitment to being a responsible regional power.

Aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya INS Vikrant Indian Navy

Sailing together with INS Vikramaditya (above) a modified Kiev-class aircraft carrier and the flagship of the Indian Navy, INS Vikrant (bottom) is a significant milestone in India’s naval capabilities, representing the country’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier. Commissioned on September 2, 2022, this vessel is a testament to India’s growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing. With a displacement of 45,000 tonnes and a length of 262 meters, INS Vikrant can carry an impressive array of up to 36 aircraft, including MiG-29K, Rafale M, and HAL Tejas. Image by Indian Navy

The Visakhapatnam Class

Type: Guided-missile destroyer
Displacement: 7,400 tonnes
Length: 163 meters
Top Speed: Above 30 knots
Range: 8,000 nautical miles at 18 knots
Endurance: 45 days
Date Commissioned: 21 November 2021
Number of Crew: 300 (including 50 officers and 250 sailors)
Number of Aircraft: Capable of carrying 2 HAL Dhruv or Sea King Mk. 42B helicopters
Country of Origin: India

The Visakhapatnam Class, also known as the P-15B, is a formidable series of guided-missile destroyers built for the Indian Navy. This class includes four ships: INS Visakhapatnam, the lead ship commissioned in November 2021; INS Mormugao; INS Imphal; and INS Surat. These ships are equipped with an impressive array of armaments, including the Barak 8 surface-to-air missiles, BrahMos anti-ship missiles, torpedo tubes, and anti-submarine rocket launchers.

The Barak 8 is a versatile surface-to-air missile system jointly developed by India and Israel, designed to counter a wide range of airborne threats. This advanced defense system boasts a maximum speed of Mach 2 for the LRSAM variant and Mach 3 for the MRSAM variant, providing a robust protective shield with an operational range extending up to 100 km. Equipped with a dual pulse rocket motor and thrust vector control, the Barak 8 ensures high maneuverability and precision, making it a critical component in modern naval and air defense strategies.

The radar systems are equally advanced, featuring the IAI EL/M-2248 MF-STAR S-Band AESA radar which is an advanced naval radar system developed by Israel Aerospace Industries. Operating in the S-band frequency, it utilizes active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology to provide multifunctional capabilities, including surveillance, tracking, and guidance for maritime platforms, BEL RAWL-02/LW-08 L-Band air-search radar, and Terma/Tata Scanter-6002 X-Band surface-search radar. The sonar suite includes the BEL HUMSA-NG active/passive sonar and BEL Nagin active towed-array sonar.

The service record of these ships is marked by their state-of-the-art electronic warfare and decoy systems, such as the DRDO Shakti EW suite, designed to protect naval warships from enemy radar and missile threats, it integrates electronic support measures and electronic countermeasures and Maareech torpedo countermeasure systems. The propulsion system is a COGAG configuration, enabling speeds above 30 knots. With a displacement of 7,400 tonnes and a range of 8,000 nautical miles at 18 knots, these destroyers are designed for endurance and versatility.

Project 15A and 15B are significant undertakings by the Indian Navy to modernize its fleet with advanced guided-missile destroyers. The Kolkata-class (Project 15A) and the Visakhapatnam-class (Project 15B) destroyers represent a blend of indigenous and international technology, built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai. These ships are designed with stealth features, advanced weapon systems, and a cooperative engagement capability, allowing them to operate as a cohesive unit in defense scenarios.

The Kolkata Class

Type: Stealth guided-missile destroyer
Displacement: 7,500 tons
Length: 163 meters
Top Speed: Above 30 knots
Range: 6,000+ nautical miles
Endurance: Data not specified in the available sources
Date Commissioned: 16 August 2014
Number of Crew: Approximately 300
Number of Aircraft: Can carry 2 Sea King or HAL Dhruv helicopters
Country of Origin: India

The Indian Navy’s Kolkata Class, also known as Project 15A, consists of three state-of-the-art guided-missile destroyers: INS Kolkata, INS Kochi, and INS Chennai. These ships, built by Mazagon Dock Limited, represent a significant advancement in the Indian Navy’s capabilities, featuring stealth technology and a comprehensive array of armaments and sensors. Each destroyer is equipped with an impressive arsenal, including 32 Barak 8 surface-to-air missiles, 16 BrahMos anti-ship missiles, torpedo tubes, and anti-submarine rocket launchers.

The primary radar system is the IAI EL/M-2248 MF-STAR S-band AESA multi-function radar, supplemented by Thales LW-08 D-band air search radar and Garpun Bal radar. For anti-submarine warfare, they utilize the BEL HUMSA-NG bow sonar and BEL Nagin active towed array sonar. The Kolkata Class destroyers are also equipped with a BEL EMCCA Mk4 combat management system, BEL Ellora electronic support measures, and advanced decoy systems to counteract threats.

The ships have a displacement of 7,400 tons and are powered by four Zorya-Mashproekt DT-59 reversible gas turbines built by Zorya-Mashproekt, a Ukrainian company specializing in gas turbine construction. Originating from the Soviet era, the DT-59 has been used to power naval vessels such as frigates and destroyers, enabling speeds of up to 30 knots. With a range of 6,000 nautical miles at 18 knots, they are designed for extended missions. The Kolkata Class has been active since 2014.

Indian Navy Barak 8 SAM Missile INS Kochi

The INS Kochi, a Kolkata-class destroyer of the Indian Navy, is equipped with the advanced Barak-8 MRSAM, a medium-range surface-to-air missile system. This missile variant is a product of a joint venture between India and Israel, designed to defend against a variety of airborne threats, including aircraft, helicopters, anti-ship missiles, and UAVs. The Barak-8 MRSAM is notable for its dual pulse rocket motor and thrust vector control with an operational range of up to 100 km and the ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously. Image source: Wikipedia

The Delhi Class

Type: Guided-missile destroyer
Displacement: 6,200 tonnes
Length: 163 meters
Top Speed: 32 knots
Range: 4,500 nautical miles
Endurance: Not specified in the available data
Date Commissioned: 15 November 1997
Number of Crew: 350 (including 40 officers)
Number of Aircraft: 2 Sea King Mk 42B helicopters
Country of Origin: India
Additional Information: INS Delhi underwent a mid-life upgrade in early 2022, which included sensor upgrades and the integration of a new ‘Modular Launcher’ for Brahmos Missiles.

The Indian Navy’s Delhi Class consists of three guided-missile destroyers, namely INS Delhi (D61), INS Mysore (D60), and INS Mumbai (D62). These ships are equipped with a formidable array of weaponry, including BrahMos missiles and Barak 1 surface-to-air missiles.

The Barak 1 is a short-range surface-to-air missile developed by Israel, with a maximum speed of Mach 2.1, which equates to approximately 720 m/s or 1,600 mph. In contrast, the Barak 8, also an Israeli development in collaboration with India, is a medium to long-range missile that can reach speeds up to Mach 2 for its LRSAM variant and Mach 3 for the MRSAM variant. The Barak 8 also features a more advanced seeker and a dual pulse rocket motor, enhancing its range and maneuverability compared to the Barak 1.

The radar systems on these vessels are equally impressive, featuring the Soviet-made Fregat M2EM E-band air and surface search radar, BEL RAWL (Signaal LW-08) D-band air search radar, and several fire-control radars for precise targeting. The Fregat M2EM is a member of the Fregat family of naval radars is known for its two-channel radar system with a significant instrumented range of up to 300 kilometers and a vertical detection range of 30 kilometers. This radar can detect fighter aircraft at distances up to 230 kilometers and missiles up to 50 kilometers.

The service record of these ships is notable, with INS Delhi being commissioned in 1997, INS Mysore in 1999, and INS Mumbai in 2001. They have been active participants in various naval exercises and operations, showcasing the Indian Navy’s blue-water capabilities and enhancing its operational reach.

Soviet Kashin Indian Navy Military Strogy

The Rajput-class destroyers of the Indian Navy are an export variant of the Soviet Kashin-class guided missile destroyers, with significant design modifications dating back to the 1960s. These ships, also referred to as the Kashin-II class, were built in the Soviet Union with considerable Indian design input, particularly in the electronics and combat systems. The Rajput class were the first in the Indian Navy to deploy the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile systems during a mid-life refit. Image source: PHC (NAC) JOHN KRISTOFFERSEN/Wikipedia

The Rajput Class

Type: Destroyer
Displacement: 3,950 tons standard, 4,974 tons full load
Length: 142 meters
Top Speed: 35 knots
Range: 4,000 nautical miles at 18 knots
Endurance: Data not specified in the available resources
Date Commissioned: 4 May 1980
Number of Crew: 320 (including 35 officers)
Number of Aircraft: Capable of carrying 2 HAL Chetak helicopters or 1 Kamov Ka-27 helicopter
Country of Origin: India, built by the USSR
Additional Information: INS Rajput was decommissioned on 21 May 2021. It served as the trial platform for the BrahMos cruise missile and was the first warship to be equipped with it. The ship has participated in several important missions, including Operation Aman, Operation Pawan, Operation Cactus, and Operation Crowsnest.

The Rajput-class destroyers, a series of five guided-missile destroyers built for the Indian Navy, are modified versions of the Soviet Kashin-class destroyers. These ships, named INS Rajput (D51), INS Ranjit (D53), INS Rana (D52), INS Ranvir (D54), and INS Ranvijay (D55), were constructed in the 1980s with significant design modifications from the original Kashin design, including a flight elevator and major changes to electronics and combat systems.

The class’s armament includes the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile systems, which replaced the older SS-N-2D Styx AShM launchers in INS Rajput and an eight-cell VLS system in INS Ranvir and INS Ranvijay. The radar systems feature a mix of navigation, air, and air/surface detection technologies, such as the Volga radar at I-band frequency and the Bharat RAWL radar at D-band, with some ships carrying the EL/M-2238 STAR radar system.

The service record of these ships is notable for their roles in anti-aircraft and anti-submarine warfare, integral to the defense of aircraft carrier task forces against submarines, low-flying aircraft, and cruise missiles. They have participated in various significant naval exercises and operations, reflecting their versatility and importance in the Indian Navy’s strategic arsenal. The Rajput-class ships were the first in the Indian Navy to deploy the BrahMos missiles, marking a significant milestone in the Navy’s combat capabilities.

As of the last update, three of the five ships were active, with INS Rajput and INS Ranjit having been retired. INS Rajput was decommissioned on 21 May 2021, after serving as a trial platform for the BrahMos missile and participating in numerous missions, including Operation Aman, Operation Pawan, Operation Cactus, and Operation Crowsnest. The decommissioned INS Ranjit was sunk during the TROPEX-21 exercise by a torpedo. The remaining active ships continue to serve the Indian Navy, contributing to its maritime security and defense operations.

One of the Indian Navy’s plans for destroyers is Project 18, also known as the Next Generation Destroyers (NGD) with an estimated budget exceeding $10 billion, which is a class of stealth guided-missile destroyers planned for the Indian Navy. This ambitious project aims to follow on from the Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, with a displacement of around 10,000 tonnes. The design phase, led by the Warship Design Bureau, is expected to incorporate advanced weapon systems including a variety of missiles like the Barak 8, BrahMos, and Nirbhay, among others.

Final Say

The Indian Navy’s destroyer fleet has evolved significantly over the years, reflecting the nation’s growing maritime capabilities and strategic priorities. Currently, the navy operates a formidable array of 12 guided-missile destroyers from four classes: Visakhapatnam, Kolkata, Delhi, and Rajput.

The Visakhapatnam class, the latest in this lineage, represents the pinnacle of indigenous warship design and construction, boasting advanced stealth features and a potent armament suite, including the long-range Barak 8 surface-to-air missile system. The recent commissioning of INS Imphal, the third ship of the Visakhapatnam class, underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its naval strength and self-reliance in defense technology.

Looking ahead, the Indian Navy’s vision is ambitious, with plans to expand its fleet to over 170 ships and submarines by 2027, and up to 200 vessels and 500 aircraft by 2050. This expansion includes a focus on indigenization, with 66 ships currently on order, 50 of which are under construction across various shipyards in India, and the remaining slated for delivery within the next year. The future fleet will feature more advanced destroyers, frigates, corvettes, and submarines, all equipped with cutting-edge technology to ensure a formidable presence in the Indian Ocean region and beyond.

In response to the strategic shifts in the maritime domain, particularly the increased interest of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy, the Indian Navy is investing in anti-submarine warfare capabilities, long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Additionally, the navy plans to upgrade its military facilities on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, aiming to establish a network of island airbases to enhance its operational reach and secure its maritime interests.

The trajectory of the Indian Navy’s destroyer program and its future plans reflect a comprehensive strategy to bolster maritime security, project power, and maintain a balance in the region’s dynamic geopolitical landscape. With a focus on self-reliance and technological advancement, the Indian Navy is poised to navigate the challenges of the 21st century with confidence and strategic foresight.