Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates likely to be inducted in next three years

The first of the four Admiral Grigorovich-class (Project 11356) guided missile stealth frigates is likely to be inducted into the Indian Navy in the next three years.

This was disclosed by Rear Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Fleet, here on Monday.

In an informal chat with The Hindu, after addressing a joint press meet, as part of the ongoing INDRA-NAVY-18, the bilateral maritime exercise between Indian Navy and Russian Federation Navy, that began on Sunday, he said two of the frigates that are advanced version of the Indian Talwar-class guided missile frigates, will be built in Russia’s Baltic Coast Yantar Shipyard and the remaining two will be built at Goa Shipyard on technology transfer.

It is learnt that the Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates will have an array of weapon system that include artillery guns, strike missile and radar-controlled air defence systems with provisions for torpedo tubes.

Sources also said that the 4,000-odd tonne frigates can be armed with Brahmos cruise missile system.


Medium refit ::

On Russia-India defence cooperation it is understood that right now two Sindhughosh-class submarines, reportedly Sindhukesari and Sindhuraj, are undergoing medium refit at a shipyard in Russia and post which the active operational lifespan of the subs will be enhanced for a further period of 7 to 10 years. The combat power of the Kilo-class diesel-electric submarines will also be enhanced substantially after the refit.

It is also understood that a second Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN), may also be leased to India by the Russian Federation Navy. India already operates a leased Akula-class SSN, INS Chakra, which is based at Eastern Naval Command.
Enhanced cooperation ::

Speaking about cooperation between the two countries, Rear Admiral Mikhailov Edward Evgenievich, Chief of the Headquarters, Submarine Forces, Pacific Fleet, of Russian Federation Navy, said that both the countries envisage a common goal of more security and stability in the oceans and such bilateral exercise will further deepen such cooperation.

He also said that both the countries have conducted such exercises in the past involving the tri-services, and such roles involving the submarines is envisaged in the future.

The INDRA NAVY – 18 began on Sunday, and after the harbour phase, the sea phase will be held from December 13 to 16. While the ships from Russian Federation Navy, include Destroyer Admiral Panteleyev, guided missile cruiser Varyag and fleet tanker Boris Butoma, the India flotilla include INS Ranvir, a guided missile destroyer, INS Satpura, an indigenous frigate, INS Kadmatt, an indigenous anti- submarine warfare (ASW) corvette, IN Ships Kuthar and Khanjar both indigenous missile corvettes and INS Jyoti, a fleet tanker, various fighter and reconnaissance aircraft, helicopters and submarines.

Apart from conferences, profession interactions, cultural visits, the exercise will also focus on anti-submarine warfare (ASW), air defence drills, surface firings and search and seizure operations.

 thehindu