Military of China, force comment.
Military of China, force comment.

under construction in India, P-15A missile destroyer
India P-15A missile destroyer chart

According to “Jane’s Navy International,” April 2, 2009 reported that the Government of India Defence Procurement Committee ( DAC) have agreed to “15B Plan” (P-15B) in the construction of four new destroyers, as the strength of the Indian Navy’s ongoing modernization program.

Previously, the P-15A program, the Indian Navy purchased three “Calcutta” class destroyers, these ships are currently located in Mumbai, Mazar Kong Shipyard Ltd (Mazagon Dock Ltd) construction. The P-15B is designed in four destroyers in the “Calcutta” level on the basis of further modernization improvements obtained. Local media reported that, although the design of this four-ship has not yet completed, but still want to Mazar Kong Dockyard Co., Ltd. “soon” be able to receive their official orders. The program (P-15B) and some other details were not disclosed.

At present, construction of Mazar post Dockyards Ltd. “Calcutta” class (Kolkata) ship, there have been long delayed, and thus P-15B program is also likely to be delayed – unless the Navy can promptly completion of new ship design, without affecting the transmission and some, such as Mazar Kong Shipyard Limited is the use of modern construction technology and other matters, in order to speed up the construction process.

P-15B naval design as some of the key driving force of selection is still pending. Design units in the Navy insisted on using a school General Dynamics/Air India (GE/HAL) of the LM2500 gas turbine ship’s automation system with the West (with the P-17 “Shivalik” class frigates are somewhat similar to the form used in power) , but the Navy hopes to use Russia’s power in the form.

Finally, Mazar Kong Shipyard Co., Ltd. launched a bid, says the use of alternative LM2500 Ukraine “Zoya” (Zorya)’s DT-59 and RG-54 gas turbine gearbox on the engine compartment need to be change research and recommendations. The successful bidder will continue to carry out the necessary engineering work, and make a set of physical devices. Companies have bid the company’s U.S. technology companies Anliang (Alion S & T), the French DCNS, the Italian shipbuilding Financial Group and the German ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems.

importantly, General Dynamics suspended P-17 “Shivalik” escort ship LM2500 engine work first, which may make the party in favor of using the Russian program is more rhetoric. The use of “Zoya” gas turbine with the rest of P-15 series of ships to maintain a certain continuity to bring some benefits in terms of logistics and engineering.

the other hand, HAL’s LM2500 in the local assembly, and although there is no “Zoya” DT-59 engine operation and reliability of the data, but typically the West than the Russian-made turbine engines to be more lighter, more powerful and better reliability.

close to the size of two engines, but the LM2500 than Ukraine’s DT-59 engine light 1/3, and the Ukraine can provide 1.5 times the engine power and thermal efficiency of 1.23 times.

At the same time, P-15A in the first ship “Calcutta” was the keel laying is carried out in September 2003, the ship was launched in March 2006 when only 30% of work completed. The second and third three-ship fleet of keel laying, respectively, and in October 2005 to February 2006. At present, the “Calcutta” was outfitting has been completed, but the second and third ship ship ship construction is still underway, the location adjacent berth.

had these three ships are scheduled for each of May 2010, May 2011 and May 2012 delivery, but according to local media quoted senior officials of the Navy’s news, current deferred makes the first ship of Delivery was postponed to 2013.

Mazar Kong is waiting for the Indian Navy Dockyard Co., Ltd. shows “P-15B program” offer, then Defense Contract Negotiating Committee (CNC) and Mazar Kong Dockyard Co., Ltd. will conduct price negotiations, and This is the end of 2009 four new ships ordered a formal order. Naval Design Major General Secretary MK · Bade Wo (Rear Admiral MK Badhwar), said he believes “P-15B is theoretically cheaper than the P-15A”, although this is only designed to increase the situation.

P-15A ship delivery delay reasons, including Russia and the propeller shaft procurement and supply chain problems, weapons, sensors and combat management systems, technical problems. Shipyard Ltd. also called Mazar Kong berth number can not meet the current and new ship construction outfitting needs. (China Shipping Information Center Juan)