India to launch an additional Nilgiri-class frigate under Project 17A in September.

According to information published by Press Trust of India on August 17, 2023, the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar confirmed the imminent launch of the seventh and final stealth frigate under Project 17 Alpha (P17A) which is scheduled for September 1.
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Launching ceremony of the 6th Project 17A frigate Vindhyagiri. (Picture source: Indian Presidency)

The Indian Navy ordered seven frigates, allocating four to MDL and three to GRSE. The announcement comes shortly after GRSE unveiled its third and final stealth frigate, an event attended by President Droupadi Murmu.

The Nilgiri class frigates have been constructed with an emphasis on minimizing radar visibility. This is achieved through the use of composite materials, radar-absorbent coatings, and low-observable technologies, leading to a reduced radar cross-section (RCS).

The ship's design further lowers its detectability with features like an enclosed mooring deck, flush-mounted weapon systems, and fewer antennae. There have also been measures taken to reduce the infrared signature from its propulsion system and power machinery. A significant focus has been placed on maintaining a subdued acoustic profile.

Propelling the frigate are two General Electric LM2500 gas turbines and two MAN 12V28/33D STC four-stroke engines, operating in a combined diesel and gas (CODAG) configuration.

Her surveillance capabilities are headlined by the EL/M-2248 MF-STAR AESA radar, adept at tracking both air and surface targets. This is further supported by the Indra LTR-25 'Lanza' surface-search radar and a combat management system dubbed "CMS-17A".

Armament-wise, the frigate boasts BrahMos anti-ship cruise missiles and Barak 8ER surface-to-air missiles, the latter capable of engaging aerial threats up to 150 km away. She also features lightweight torpedo launchers and RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers for sub-surface defense.