Mumbai, Feb 08: The first of the three
Shivalik-class stealth frigates being built at Mazagon Dock
here is ready for sea trial in March-April and it would be
delivered to the Indian Navy in the next few months.
"We are taking the frigate for sea trials after March.
We may deliver the frigate either before the monsoon or after
the monsoon," an official of Mazagon Dock said.
"Delivery of the frigate during the monsoon will not
be appropriate," the official said.
The Dock has begun work on the second and third
frigates, too. The company expects to finish and deliver
remaining frigates by 2010, the official said.
The building of the Shivalik was launched in 2003 and
the rest at 2004 and 2005 as part of Project 17 -- Centre's
indigenous programme to build mutli-role surface ships.
The stealth frigate is designed to avoid enemy radars
and works on principles of reducing the ship's signature. The
ship is fitted with a mix of Indian, Russian and Western
weaponry systems along with both air defence and
anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
The frigate also carries two advanced helicopters. The
total length of the ship is 142.5 metres and breadth 16.90
metres. The total displacement of the ship is 4,900 tonnes. It
is powered by gas and diesel turbines.
Bureau Report