The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony today called upon the Indian Industry to give their best in developing the country’s ship building programmes. Commissioning INS Shivalik, the first of three new stealth frigates for the Indian Navy in Mumbai, he said, over the years there has been a distinct shift in our policy from a “Buyer’s Navy’ to a ‘Builder’s Navy”.
He said the shipbuilding industry has to modernize itself through indigenous efforts and minimize its dependence on imports. “We must continue with our efforts to transform and modernize our shipyards, so that they can not only meet the domestic demands but also achieve latest international standards in quality construction. We must be able to produce quality ships in a shorter time frame at competitive costs. I strongly urge all the participants of the Indian industry to give their best in developing our ship building programmes”.
He said time and again history has taught us to maintain a strong and vigilant navy. “Our maritime heritage dates back to the ancient times. Though we have come a long way in re-establishing our capabilities on the high seas since our independence, we still have a lot to achieve before we can consider ourselves a really potent naval force. History has time and again held out lessons in maintaining a strong and an eternally vigilant Navy”, the Defence Minister said.
Shri Antony said the security situation in and around our immediate neighbourhood poses several security related challenges. He reiterated that we have to maintain high levels of operational readiness at all times.
Shri Antony described the commissioning as a red letter day for the Indian Navy, our Armed Forces, the ship building industry and the entire nation. He said India’s long coastline and ever expanding exclusive economic zone make it imperative to defend our main land as well as maintain the sea lanes of communication. With the commissioning of the stealth frigate, he expressed confidence that the maritime interest will further secure.
INS Shivalik and the follow-on-ships of the Shivalik class (namely, Satpura and Sahyadiri) have been conceived and designed by Indian Navy design teams. The Shivalik class will be the mainstay frigates of the Indian Navy in the first half of the 21st century.
The incorporation of numerous new design features aboard INS Shivalik effectively reduces the probability of her being detected at sea. The in-built structural, thermal and acoustic stealth features augment the potent capability of the ship to address threats in all dimensions of maritime warfare.
The weapon-sensor fit of the Shivalik is controlled through a Combat Management System called ‘CMS-17’, designed and developed by the Indian Navy and manufactured by Bharat Electronics (Ghaziabad). The system allows the seamless integration of the ship’s systems as well as with the weapons and sensors of other Fleet ships, thus enabling the concept of ‘Co-operative Engagement Capability’ (CES). With her ability to detect and engage surface, air and sub-surface assets of the enemy at extended ranges, this ship represents very significant combat-potential.
With modern LM 2500 Gas Turbine propelling her to speeds in excess of 30 knots (or over 55 kmph), the ship is a true greyhound upon the seas. The ship’s electric power is provided by four Diesel Alternators, which together produce 4 Mega-Watts of power – enough to light-up a small town. The power generation and distribution on board is controlled through an ‘Automated Power Management System’ (APMS), which enables the optimal use of electricity at all times. The two Multi-Role helicopters that would be embarked on Shivalik will provide for enhanced surveillance and attack capability.
The Shivalik is also equipped with a proven defense against Nuclear, Biological and Chemical attack. The state-of-the art ‘Total Atmospheric Control System’ (TACS) ensures filtration of the air going into the ship at all times. In addition, it ensures the complete removal of radioactive, chemical or biological impurities, thereby protecting the crew and shipborne systems even when operating in areas contaminated by nuclear, biological or chemical agents.
The ship’s domestic requirements of fresh water are met through two Reverse Osmosis plants, while a fully automated galley, ensures that the crew can be fed Indian, Continental and Asian meals, including freshly baked bread and home-made ice cream.
The accommodation arrangements for the 35 officers and over 250 crew members of the Shivalik has been provided by M/s Godrej, whose advance ergonomic design ensures crew comfort and space management.
Among those present at today’s ceremony included the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma, the Defence Secretary Shri Pradeep Kumar, the Secretary Defence Production Shri RK Singh, the Chairman and Managing Director of Mazagon Dock Limited Rear Admiral (Retd) HS Malhi, Defence Attaches and Consul Generals of different Countries.
