Indian Navy to Get First Project 17 Frigate "INS Shivalik" in April 2010

NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy will induct its first indigenously-built Shivalik class stealth frigate in April, an official said. Christened INS Shivalik, the multi-role stealth frigate has been built at Mumbai's Mazagaon Docks Limited under Project 17. Two more such vessels are under construction. "The first of the frigates will be inducted in April. The ship has been provided with structural, thermal and acoustic stealth features to augment its potent capability," an official said, requesting anonymity. Shivalik is equipped with state-of-the-art defence against nuclear, biological and chemical attacks.

"The Atmospheric Control System filters and controls the temperature and humidity of the air coming into the ship at all times, including the air being used by the engines. It removes any radioactive, chemical or biological impurities, thereby protecting the crew and the systems even during a nuclear, biological or chemical attack," the official said. Conceived and designed by the Indian Navy design bureau, the ship will also have indigenous sensors and weapons.

"The sensors and weapons of the ship are controlled through a Combat Management System designed and developed by an Indian Navy establishment and manufactured by Bharat Electronics," the official added. The Shivalik class vessels will be the mainstay frigates of the Indian Navy in the first half of the 21st century. Their sophisticated weaponry includes the Klub surface-to-surface missiles and the Shtil and Barak air defence missiles.

The ships also have the indigenous Kavach chaff-dispensing system to counter incoming missiles, as also indigenous sonars and anti-submarine warfare systems. The ship's domestic requirements of fresh water will be met through two reverse osmosis plants, while a fully automated galley will "enable the crew to be fed Indian, Continental and Asian gourmet meals, including freshly baked bread and home-made ice-cream," the official added.

The accommodation arrangements for the 35 officers and over 250 crew have been provided by Indian conglomerate Godrej and meets the laid down criteria for crew comfort and space management.

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