PHOTOS: Navy Inducts 2nd Indian Stealth Frigate

Apologies for this late post, I know a lot of you have been asking about these. The induction of INS Satpura (F48) took place on August 20, but I wasn't in Mumbai (in Delhi to anchor from the anti-corruption campaign). Here's the statement the Navy released on Saturday as well:

The Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma today commissioned INS Satpura into the Indian Navy. Satpura is the second of the indigenously designed and constructed stealth frigates of the Shivalik Class, built by Mazagon Dock Ltd, Mumbai. This momentous occasion is a 'red-letter' day for the Navy, and is a tribute to the indigenous ship building industry which further strengthens the Navy's resolve to move from a buyer's Navy to a builder's Navy.

The ceremony was marked with an inspection of a Guard of Honour by the Chief of Naval Staff. The CMD of Mazagaon Docks addressed the gathering after which the Commanding Officer Captain Sharath Mohan read out the Commissioning Warrant. The formal ceremony began with the Colour Guard presenting arms while the National Flag & Naval Ensign were hoisted along with the Commissioning pennant for the first time onboard the Ship, thus marking the induction of INS Satpura into the Naval Fleet. INS Satpura and also other ships in the Naval Dockyard were dressed overall for the occasion.

INS Satpura is armed with a formidable array of surface, sub-surface and air-defence weapons. These include long range anti-ship missiles, anti-aircraft missiles and anti-missile defence systems, which can detect and engage the enemy at extended ranges, thereby giving her significant combat power. The weapon-sensor fit of the Satpura is controlled through a Combat Management System, designed and developed by the Indian Navy and manufactured by Bharat Electronics. The system allows the seamless integration of the ship's systems as well as with the weapons and sensors of other Fleet ships, thus enabling the concept of 'Co-operative Engagement Capability' (CEC). The two multi-role helicopters that are embarked on Satpura provide enhanced surveillance and attack capability.

INS Satpura has been conceived and designed by an Indian Naval design team. This class of ships will be the mainstay frigates of the Indian Navy in the first half of the 21st century. The incorporation of numerous new design features aboard INS Satpura effectively reduces the probability of her being detected at sea. The in-built structural, thermal and acoustic stealth features augment the potent capability of the ship to address threats in all dimensions of maritime warfare.

The ship is propelled by two modern LM 2500 Gas Turbine, which enable her to generate speeds in excess of 30 knots (or over 55 kmph), and two SEMT Pielstic Diesel Engines for normal cruising speeds. The ship's electric power is provided by four Diesel Alternators, which together produce 4 Mega-Watts of power-enough to light up a small town.The power generation and distribution on board is controlled through an 'Automated Power Management System' (APMS).

INS Satpura is also equipped to operate in an environment contaminated by nuclear, biological or chemical agents. The state-of-the-art 'Total Atmospheric Control System' (TACS) ensures filtration of the air going into the ship at all times. In addition, it ensures the complete removal of radioactive, chemical or biological impurities, thereby protecting the crew and shipborne systems.

The ship's domestic requirements of fresh water are met through two Reverse Osmosis plants, while a fully automated galley, ensures that the crew can be fed a variety of cuisines, including freshly baked bread and home-made ice cream. The accommodation for the 35 officers and 250 crew members of INS Satpura incorporates advanced ergonomic design and ensures crew comfort and space management.
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