Kshatriya caste. The growing power of the Indian Navy
If in the Indian film a gun hangs on the wall - in the final scene it will surely sing or dance.
Comparison of the naval forces of India with the shooting studios of Bollywood is not accidental - after all, like any Indian movie, the Indian Navy is a real thrash. But at the same time, the highest level thrash! Bright appearance and loud slogans, bold tactical decisions and colorful samples of the sea weapons - the people who had a hand in the creation of the Indian Navy were real professionals in their field. Nevertheless, in the end it turned out thrash ...
Everything! No more mockery of Indian sailors.
The modern Indian Navy derives maximum benefit from the funds allocated for their development. A colorful mixture of technology from around the world - Russian and Israeli weapons are successfully combined with our own radio electronics. At the same time, resourceful Indians do not hesitate to exploit the American anti-submarine aircraft "Poseidon", and promising NSNS prefer to order in Europe (the French-Spanish project "Skorpen"). The half century old British aircraft carrier Viraat is still on the move. Leasing Russian K-152 "Nerpa" serves in the same row with the first Indian atomic type "Arihant". Outdated British frigates of the Linder type are inexplicably in harmony with the large anti-submarine ships of the 61-ME project of Soviet construction. And the legendary Varshavyanka submarines - with German diesel-electric boats Type 209.
Despite all the comic nature of the hodgepodge of technology from all times and peoples, familiarity with the Indian fleet leaves a very distinct impression:
1. Indian fleet is developing! Whether he can ever compare in strength with the US Navy or the Chinese Navy is unknown. But the trend is evident.
2. Despite the absurd, at first glance, ship structure, the Indian fleet absorbed the most promising concepts of modern naval battle - deck aviation, long-range anti-ship missiles, nuclear submarines, diesel-electric submarines and nuclear submarines, frigates and destroyers of various sizes and purposes. One can criticize the Indians for the lack of a clear program for the development of the Navy, but one cannot but recognize the merits of the leadership of the Indian Navy in improving the country's defense capability. Hindus almost always choose the best (at least from the one suggested).
Behind - half a century of sea victories. Fighting minesweeper "Bengal" with two Japanese auxiliary cruisers (1942). Defeat of the Portuguese squadron during the landing operation on Goa (1961). Two Indo-Pakistan wars: the sinking of the Gazi submarine, successful raids of Indian missile boats on Karachi. The prevention of a military coup in the Maldives and the successful interception of a cargo ship captured by mercenaries. Every time the Indians showed themselves to be excellent sailors.
Ahead is the unceasing growth and ambitions of a regional leader seeking to reach the leading global positions.
What is the modern Indian fleet? Do his capabilities correspond to the tasks before him?
"The Holy Cow" of the Indian Navy
To accurately characterize the Indian Navy, one word is enough: "BrahMos." Everything else fades before this foul of hell.
The Russian-Indian development is a medium-range supersonic anti-ship missile, currently the most advanced in the world. The flight speed of the BrahMos at extremely low altitude (sea-skimming mode) is capable of reaching two speeds of sound - even the American Aeges is unlikely to repel such an attack!
Brahmaputra - Moscow. The rocket was developed on the basis of anti-ship missiles P-800 "Onyx". The mass of the warhead - 300 kg. The maximum launch range is up to 290 km with a high-altitude flight profile.
Despite successful attempts at intercepting the BrahMos target (the American GQM-163 Coyote drone) with the help of the PAAMS marine air defense system in ideal polygon conditions using external target designation, we can confidently ascertain that at present there are no reliable means and methods interception of the Indian super-rocket. A flock of "BrahMos", rushing at a height of 5-10 meters, is able to penetrate any anti-missile shield and destroy any enemy squadron.
High flight speed is just the beginning of a terrible tale about an Indian rocket. The creators of BrahMos prepared another unpleasant surprise for the enemy - modern technologies made it possible to achieve acceptable weight and size characteristics and reduce the RPC starting mass to 3 tons (the lightweight aviation version - 2,5 tons). Just a great result for a supersonic rocket, especially compared to its predecessors, for example, the P-270 Mosquito (4 ... 4,5 tons).
A radical reduction in the launch mass and dimensions of the missile made it possible to significantly increase the range of possible carriers of the BrahMos - the anti-ship missiles can be used from both ground-based launchers and combat ships of the "destroyer" or "frigate" class.
The options for equipping the BrahMos missiles of combat aircraft were developed: Su-30MKI multi-role fighter - up to 3 missiles (in reality it would be great if he picked up at least one), IL-76 multi-purpose transporter - up to 6 missiles on an external suspension (cheap and cheerful ), anti-submarine aircraft of the Indian Navy: IL-38 (up to 4 missiles under the fuselage), Tu-142 (up to 6 missiles on wing pylons). The first tests are already scheduled for 2014 year.
In September 2013 of the year, the Indian company Bramos Aerospace issued a statement that the underwater-based BrahMos version was ready for installation on the Indian Navy submarines. Due to the large diameter of the hull (700 mm), the rocket does not fit into a standard torpedo tube — the installation could be the installation of additional missile silos (as on the Los Angeles submarine).
Indian sailors get into their hands a truly universal weapon for sea battle: extremely fast, powerful, but most importantly - massive and omnipresent. The striking mix of submarines or Su-30MKI squadrons equipped with BrahMos missiles are capable of grinding into powder any AUG of a potential enemy.
The adoption of a super-missile "BrahMos" automatically takes the Indian Navy to a new level. One of the few fleets ready for a real naval war.
Meanwhile, the Indians are not going to stop there: there are already reports about the beginning of the development of a special aviation modification "Bramos-M" (mini) with 1,5 tons of mass, as well as the absolute "vundervaffe" - "BrahMos-2" with a speed of sound exceeding the speed of sound five or more times (for now it's just a dream).
If you leave history with a super-rocket, the rest of the Indian fleet appears to be a gathering of rusty junk, as well as equipment acquired abroad with intentionally limited characteristics (export modifications). As an option - their own crafts, more reminiscent of the replica of warships, as a rule, with foreign "stuffing."
Sometimes among the trash come across very decent samples, but they are too few to completely change the situation for the better.
Aircraft carriers
The whole story with the Indian aircraft carriers reminds a joke: theoretically, the Indians have three aircraft carriers. Practically, it has not yet been transferred to the Russian side by the Vikramaditya (impromptu based on the aircraft-carrying cruiser Admiral Gorshkov of the 1982 model of the year) and being built by the Vikrant, which is smaller than even the not too large Vikramadity.
Both ships will not reach operational readiness soon. The only aircraft carrier in the ranks is the ancient Viraat, it is also the former British Hermes launched in the 1953 year.
All this is nothing more than the profanation of combat service, the Indians entertain their own pride and play in a real fleet "like the Americans." The real strength of the Indian Navy lies in a completely different plane.
Underwater fleet
The pearl of the underwater component of the Indian Navy is the leased Russian nuclear submarine K-152 “Nerpa”, which temporarily changed its name to “Chakra”. We can only congratulate the Indians on their excellent choice and sympathize with the Russian sailors that they lost such an atomic-powered vessel on 10 years.
The Hindus got the most powerful ship - the multipurpose underwater killer of the 971 project “Pike-B”. One of the most formidable and sophisticated multi-purpose submarines of the third generation.
Good Masha, but not yours. In addition, it is only one. Indians do not have their own submarines of this level, and are not expected in the near future. It is noteworthy that the similar name - “Chakra” was carried by another Russian boat K-43 - SSGN of the 670 “Skat” project, transferred to the Indian Navy under leasing conditions from 1988 to 1992 year.
The first Indian submarine of its own design should be commissioned as early as next year - at present, Arihant is undergoing comprehensive tests and a radiation safety test. The fierce desire of Indian sailors to enroll in an elite club of owners of nuclear-powered ships overshadows the only circumstance: “Arikhant” is a deliberately outdated project against the background of modern “Virginia”, “Sea Wolf” or Russian “Schuk”.
The composition of weapons gives the Indians headlong - X-NUMX ballistic missiles K-12 Sagarika with a launch range as much as 15 km in a lightweight version (for comparison, the Russian SLBM R-1900RMU29 "Sineva" has a 2 11 km launch range). Why did the Indian navy need a dozen short / medium range ballistic missiles? Too weak to solve strategic problems, while completely ineffective in local wars. The answer is obvious - the technical lag of the Indian military-industrial complex. Creating a “blank” K-500 is much easier than the high-precision SLCM “Tomahawk” or “Caliber”.
As for non-nuclear submarines, here everything looks very decent among Indians: 4 German diesel-electric submarines Type 209 / 1500 and ten Varshavyanok of Soviet and Russian construction (one of them - Sindurakshak sank during the explosion in the port of Mumbai, 14.08.2013). Under the terms of the agreement, the Indians have no right to repair Varshavyanka anywhere other than Russia; Diesel fuel-submarines regularly undergo overhaul and modernization at Russian shipbuilding enterprises. During the modernization, part of the boats was equipped with sets of Indian electronic equipment and cruise missiles of the “Club” complex (an export version of the “Caliber” with a limited firing range).
In the coming 5-10 years, the Indian fleet should be replenished with another six French-Spanish submarines of the “Skorpen” type, equipped with an air-independent power plant in accordance with the Stirling engine type. Such ships are closer in their capabilities to nuclear-powered ships, they are able to continuously be in a submerged position for the duration of 2-3 weeks. At the same time, any submarines surpass any head in the “stealth” parameter (small size, absence of thundering turbines and pumps for reactor cooling circuits).
naval aviation
16 May 2013 The P-8I Poseidon first anti-submarine aircraft arrived at Rajali naval base - the Indians chose an American car as a replacement for the IL-38 and Tu-142, set back in Soviet times.
"Poseidon" is a special version of a civilian aircraft Boeing-737, equipped with the most modern equipment for conducting maritime reconnaissance and detection of enemy submarines. Total Indian Navy plan to purchase 12 such machines.
The Russian MiG-29K was chosen as the main deck aircraft to replace the British “Sea Harrier”.
Among the helicopters, the Westland Sea King model helicopters prevail (American Sikorsky SH-3 assembled under license in Great Britain). A number of Soviet machines of the Kamov design bureau are used - anti-submarine Ka-25 and Ka-28, DRLO Ka-31 helicopters, as well as French helicopters Aerospatiale Aluett III.
Surface component
The meticulous enumeration of monotonous designs, can cause boredom even among the most devoted lovers of maritime affairs. The surface battleships of the Indian Navy do not differ in their impressive abilities: despite eight projects of ships of the ocean zone, the Hindus never had anything like the British destroyer Daring or the Japanese destroyer URO of the Congo type.
“Delhi”, “Shivalik”, “Talwar”, “Godavari” ...
Two dozen completely ordinary squadrons of destroyers and frigates, mainly with Russian weapons and detection systems. The “Shtil” SAM, RBU-6000, AK-630 batteries, П-20 anti-ship missiles (export version of П-15 “Termite”) and X-35 “Uran” ... Everything is quite simple and not always effective, however, with side creates the appearance of a powerful and numerous fleet.
The destroyer "Mysore", one of the three ships of the type "Delhi". The largest of its own built destroyers, the flagships of the Indian Navy. Full displacement - 6200 tons. Crew 350 man.
The CODOG type GEM - two diesel engines and two afterburner GTEs, total power 54 000 hp Full speed - 28 knots. Navigation range - 5000 miles on 18 nodes.
Armament:
- 16 PKR X-35 "Uranus";
- 2 air defense system "Shtil";
- 1 Israeli-made air defense system "Barak-1";
- Universal artillery caliber 100 mm, self-defense systems AK-630, RBU and torpedoes.
- 2 British anti-submarine helicopter "Sea King".
Among the more or less modern ships, there are real “dinosaurs” - for example, five Soviet BODs, 61-ME, despite their swift silhouette and updated project, this is just a variation on the theme of the Soviet “singing frigate” of the 1959 model of the year (named “singing "For the characteristic rumble of gas turbines). What are the only M-1 "Wave" anti-aircraft systems - a real rarity for the naval museum!
The Godavari or Nilgiri frigates look no better - improvisations based on the British frigate Linder of the early 1960-s.
Among the Indian surface ships, the Talvar frigates are of particular interest - a series of six ships built in Russia from 1999 to 2013 a year. Excellent in every sense of the ships. Perhaps the best frigates in the world in terms of cost / efficiency.
On the technical side, Talvar is a deeply modernized petrel project of the 1135 Petrel: the latest combat systems in the hull using stealth technology have completely changed the look and purpose of the ship. Universal shooting complex on 8 cruise missiles "Club" or anti-ship missiles "BrahMos", anti-aircraft complexes "Shtil" and "Dirk", helicopter hangar - time-tested "Burevesnik" got a second life.
The frigate was so good that the Ministry of Defense of Russia ordered a series of four similar ships for the Black Sea Fleet (project 11356).
In the future, the Indian Navy should be replenished with three more Kolkata-type destroyers - the latest Indian destroyers will be equipped with 16 anti-ship missiles BrahMos, as well as installing a vertical launch on 16 cells - up to 64 anti-aircraft missiles Barak-1 and Barak-8 production of Israel.
All three ships have already been launched, it is expected that the leading Kolkata will be commissioned next year. However, it is reported that at the stage of construction, the Indians faced a huge amount of difficulties - the entry of the ship into service was delayed at least by 4 year. The final cost of the destroyer increased by 225% compared to the original estimate - as a result, the construction of the Kolkata cost the Indian budget 1,8 billion dollars. Approximately the same is worth a much larger and perfect "Orly Burke".
Also, in addition to large warships of the ocean zone, the Indian Navy has a developed fleet of corvettes, missile boats and ships to control coastal zones; a dozen landing ships, minesweepers, as well as an auxiliary detachment of naval tankers, military transports, training ships and oceanographic ships. The Indian fleet becomes like the multi-armed Vishnu, gaining versatility and the ability to act far from his relatives
Recently, another strategic project is being implemented - the naval base in Madagascar. The Indian Navy is preparing to defend its national interests in every corner of the Indian Ocean.
Indian sailors remain faithful to the precepts of a kshatriya warrior caste: they are obliged to protect anyone who asks them for help; they are forgiven for anger and violence, as this is their nature and necessary for them to fulfill their duty.
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