With the intention of prioritizing maritime security and boosting India’s capabilities in terms of coastal surveillance, a new stealth frigate called INS Satpura and a fast attack craft (FAC) called INS Koswari have been delivered to the Indian Navy. The INS Satpura warship has been delivered by state-run Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) whilst the FAC INS Koswari by the state-run Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE).
The INS Satpura is the second Shivalik-class stealth frigate and a part of the Project 17 standard frigate which will be the Indian Navy's new stealthy multi-role surface combatant for the 21st century. The indigenous efforts in the design and construction of these warships have managed to create a highly advanced frigate with unique features. Some of the features include CODOG (Combined Diesel Or Gas Turbine) propulsion, Total Atmosphere Control system, Integrated Machinery Control system, Automated Power Management system, Enhanced Combat Management system and ATM based Integrated Ship wide Data Network and Modular accommodation. Added to this is the low radar cross section (RCS), Infrared and Noise and extremely low frequency emission (ELFE) signatures which make INS Satpura a state-of-art frigate. With advanced weapons and sensors of Indian, Western and Russian origin, INS Satpura can perform as a multi role combatant for the Indian Navy.
Besides the INS Satpura, the Indian Navy has commissioned the indigenously built Fast Attack Craft (FAC) called INS Koswari in a function held at the eastern naval command in Visakhapatnam. The INS Koswari is designed and built by state-run Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata. The INS Koswari is a highly manoeuvrable craft which has been created for deployment along the coastal areas. INS Koswari can counter maritime threats with its ability to operate in shallow waters at high speed along with its day-and-night surveillance capability and enhanced fire power. INS Koswari measures 52 meters in length. It has a displacement of 325 tonnes and can achieve speed in excess of 30 knots. The craft will have a crew of five officers and 35 sailors.
INS Koswari is made from a modified aluminium superstructure which reduces the top weight and enhances its ability to propel at high speeds for advanced stealth and networking capabilities. The craft is fitted with advanced MTU engines and latest communication sets for extended coastal and offshore surveillance and patrol. INS Koswari would be based at Karwar in Karnataka. The fast attack craft will be deployed in coastal patrol and anti-piracy missions along the Konkan coast and Lakshadweep group of islands. |