INS Surat and frigate INS Udaygiri

Question 1

WHY IN NEWS?

Answer 1

Recently, the Defence Minister launched the Indian Navy destroyer warship INS Surat and frigate INS Udaygiri in Mumbai.

Question 2

PROJECT 15 B

Answer 2

These ships are amongst the most technologically advanced Guided Missile Destroyers of the world, with state-of-the-art weapon/sensor package, advanced stealth features and a high degree of automation.
In 2011, the deal to build four warships – Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal, and Surat – was signed under the Project-15B programme worth Rs 29,643.74 crore.
However, the final cost escalated to Rs 35,000 crore.
All four ships have been christened after cities from four corners of the country and the induction of ships will be completed by 2024.
Features of the P-15B Ships:
These ships are equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and long-range Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM).

Question 3

INS SURAT

Answer 3

Surat’ is the fourth ship of Project 15B Destroyers which heralds a significant makeover of the P15A (Kolkata Class) Destroyers.
The first ship (Visakhapatnam) of this class was commissioned in 2021. The second (Mormugao) and third (Imphal) ships have been launched and are at different stages of outfitting/ trials.

Question 4

PROJECT 17 A

Answer 4

Project 17A frigates are follow-on of the P17 Frigates (Shivalik Class) with improved stealth features, advanced weapons and sensors and platform management systems.
A total of seven ships are being constructed, four at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL), Mumbai and three at Garden Reach Ship Builders Limited (GRSE), Kolkata.
Features:
The main advanced stealth features of P-17A pertain to the smaller Radar cross-section of the ship achieved through the use of a special super structure shape which reduces radar wave reflections.

Question 5

INS UDAYAGIRI

Answer 5

It is the third ship of Project 17A frigates.
Named After:
The ship ‘Udaygiri’ is named after a mountain range in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
‘Udaygiri’ is the reincarnation of erstwhile ‘Udaygiri’, the Leander Class ASW Frigate, which saw numerous challenging operations in its illustrious service to the country spanning over three decades from 1976 to 2007.
Progress under P17A:
Under the P17A program, a total of seven ships, with 04 at Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL), Mumbai and 03 at GRSE are under construction.