Article Posted on : - Apr 05, 2010

INS Chennai of Project 15A (Kolkata) Class.

Project 15A (15 Alpha) Kolkata Class destroyers are a follow-on of the Type 15 Delhi Class destroyers.

The P15A guided missile destroyer possess enhanced stealth features and land-attack capabilities and is expected to add a new dimension in naval warfare for the Indian Navy, along with the Talwar (Krivak III) Class destroyer and the 'new' Nilgiri (Project 17) Class frigate.

The concept and function for Project 15A was framed by the Navy's Directorate of Naval Design, while the detailed design was developed by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL).

Project 15A has advanced weapons and sensors and is technologically far more superior than its predecessor Delhi-class destroyers.

INS Chennai

INS Chennai is one of the largest and most lethal multi-role destroyer of the Indian Navy. It is the third indigenous destroyer under Project 15 Alpha and has been built by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL).

The destroyer's keel was laid in September 2003 and it was launched by India in April 2010.

The 163 meter long warship, propelled by four gas turbines (Zarya reversible gas turbines from Ukraine), is designed to achieve speeds in excess of 30 knots.

INS Chennai will be commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2013. It would be the most potent vessel with modern weapons and sensors, along with two other warships of Kolkata-class -- INS Kolkata and INS Kochi.

The destroyer will be armed with world's leading supersonic BRAHMOS cruise missile. The BRAHMOS missile system will enable the ship to engage shore based and naval surface targets at long ranges, making it a lethal platform for strike against enemy targets.

The guided missile destroyer will have state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, stealth features, an advanced action information system, a comprehensive auxiliary control system, world class modular living spaces, sophisticated power distribution system and a host of other advanced features.

Besides the multi-function radar system, the destroyer will have the HUMSA-NG (Hull Mounted Sonar Array – new generation) and nagin active towed array sonar, both manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). It will also be operating two multi-role helicopters.

All sensors and weapons are integrated in a state-of-the-art system; the networking of the weapons and censors will enable the warship to combat multi-threats in different dimensions simultaneously.

The destroyer's sides are covered and rounded, making detection difficult. All missile launchers and bases of the superstructure are covered for the same reason.

The ship's air defence capability, designed to counter the threat of enemy aircraft and anti-ship cruise missiles will revolve around the vertical launch, long range surface- to-air missile system which is being co-developed by DRDO.

Finally, the frontline naval warship, INS Chennai will be an added strength to country's maritime security and naval warfare.


- Courtesy:
        The Hindu
        Global Security Website
        Mazagon Dock Limited