Ill-equipped navy to order 60 more warships

The Indian Navy has firmed up plans to place orders for at least 60 more warships, including aircraft carriers, submarines and destroyers, to emerge as a credible maritime power.

The Indian Navy has firmed up plans to place orders for at least 60 more warships, including aircraft carriers, submarines and destroyers, to emerge as a credible maritime power. With a fleet of just 129 warships, the navy is currently plagued by a shortage of platforms. It was asked by the government in March 2003 to achieve a fleet of 140 warships.

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Navy chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta said 32 warships are under construction to cater to the shortfall and ships planned for de-commissioning. However, crucial projects running behind schedule have exacerbated the problem. The navy’s stealth frigate and destroyer projects are plagued by time and cost overruns.

For instance, there is a delay of nine months in the delivery of the first of three Shivalik-class stealth frigates being built at the Mazagaon Dockyard mainly due to problems concerning weapon package and power system. The Cabinet approved the Project 17 series of multi-mission frigates in 1997.

Similarly, the Kolkata-class destroyers, follow-on to Delhi-class destroyers, are likely to be delayed due to issues pertaining to shafting and propeller system.