India to Get Fifth Russian-Upgraded Submarine in 2012

(Rusnavy) : Indian Navy's diesel electric submarine INS Sindhurakshak being modernized by Zvezdochka shipyard (Severodvinsk, Russia) will be delivered to the orderer in the second half of 2012, reports the yard's press service on Dec 19.

The contract for repair and modernization of the sub was tied between Zvezdochka and Indian defense ministry in June 2010. This is the fifth Indian Navy's asset upgraded by the shipyard.

"Zvezdochka plans to deliver the submarine to the customer in terms determined by the contract, namely, in the second half of 2012", said the press release.

Project 877 EKM Kilo-class diesel electric submarine INS Sindhurakshak was laid down at one of the Russia's oldest shipyards – Admiralteyskie Verfi (St. Petersburg) – in 1995 under Indian Navy's order. In June 1997 the sub was launched, and handed over to the orderer in Dec 1997. The project was developed by the Rubin Central Design Bureau (St. Petersburg).

Basic characteristics of the submarine: displacement – 2,300 tons, length – 72.6 meters, beam – 9.9 meters, surface speed – 10 knots, submerged speed – 19 knots, operating range – 6,000 miles, endurance – 45 days, operating depth – 300 meters, crew – 52 men. Armament: six 533-mm torpedo tubes.