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

Indian Navy’s Russian-made Kilo-class equipment conventionally powered submarines

ITAR reports, the Indian Navy spokesman has revealed that beginning in 2004 will enter the Indian domestic shipyard improvements to modernize the “Xin Duji Wilkie “was diesel-powered submarines (877EKM type, NATO called the” Kilo “) is likely by 2015 can not be re-served. In other words, the boat in its total design life of 30 years, at least one third of the time will be spent on the maintenance platform.

“Xindu Ji Wilkie” was the improvement work is still Hindustan shipbuilding companies to accept improvements, including full renovation of the main contents of the hull, upgrade weapons systems, electronic equipment, sonar and communication systems. The initial plan in accordance with the Indian Navy, improvements should be all over in 2010.

Although the upgrade of the boat in the Indian territory, but the specific charge is Russia Severodvinsk “Spark” Ship Repair Factory. India The purpose is to enhance their company’s ability to improve submarine. However, the Indian domestic enterprises to improve diesel-powered submarine capacity is very limited, resulting in the “Xin Duji Wilkie” was the upgrade work has been a serious drag.

“Xindu Ji Wilkie” was further exacerbated by the delayed upgrade of the Indian Navy’s submarine forces are facing a difficult situation. Experts estimate that by 2015 the Indian Navy to maintain combat readiness and equipment of the number of submarines will be 16 down to 9. In these 16 submarines, the current to maintain full operational status is only seven, the rest of the modifications required for maintenance or upgrades.

Currently, the Indian shipbuilding companies of the other one 877EKM submarine part of the improvement work is nearing completion. Improved total cost of the boat about 5 years. Before that, the submarine are on Russian territory for maintenance and upgrades.

submarines because their ability to repair and improve the serious lag, leading to the Indian Navy submarine in more than 50% of the service time has reached the design life of 75%, while a small number of even more than the maximum service period.

Currently, the Indian Navy were equipped with 16 conventional submarines, including four German-built Type 209/1500, 10 Russian-made 877EKM type and two in the early 1970s, purchased from the former Soviet Union 641-type submarines. (Spring)