Barracuda to Mistral DCNS show in DEF EXPO

Barracuda to Mistral DCNS show in DEF EXPO

French naval giant DCNS offers variety of naval systems in the defense exhibition held in Goa. The systems include next generation Barracuda submarine, Mistral helicopter carrier and evolved aircraft carrier model, the showcased models are all already front running in many naval tenders, which include the Scorpene submarine.

As expected earlier, The french formally offering the Barracuda submarine for the Indian navy's P 75I program. DCNS is front running in the Australian collins class replacement program, who also offering the same variant to Indian P 75I. which capable to launch cruise missile from vertical tubes and also capable to deliver marine commandos and capable to operate unmanned underwater vehicle's.

Barracuda is the French nuclear submarine, who is in construction as of now, French Navy plans to receive the first Barracuda by next year. They also modded the submarine by replacing the nuclear reactor and making it an conventional submarine. whose projected displacement is more than 4000 tons.  The conventional variant called as shortfin Barracuda Block 1A.

France also showcasing the model of Mistral helicopter landing ship in the expo. who offered the Mistral many times before, Where govt yet to announce the winner of the project. Mistral along with Juan Carlos leading the project. The Mistral was once studied by Indian navy, However they rejected the model due to the podded propulsion system.

DCNS joined with Reliance's Pipavav shipyard to build those LHD's in Indian shipyard, to accelerate the construction govt announced in the RFI, that two shipyards will be selected to build those ships. DCNS announced that they will ready to redesign the ship as Indian Navy wanted.

French also displays the evolved air craft carrier model in the Def Expo, with the operating capacity of some 40 aircraft's. However sources say the proposed aircraft is conventionally powered, with assisted launching. Indian navy in talks with the Americans to build the next gen aircraft carrier. France and Russia also proposes their interest in building one for India. However It's highly unlikely India won't look on other models.

DCNS also showcasing the lightweight MU 90 torpedo, which can be launched from warships and helicopters assigned for ASW mission. The MU 90 jointly developed by french and Italian company, which is already being used by many nations.

Indian navy also looking for Torpedo's for both surface and submerged launched platforms, The MU 90 is one of best available system, however Indian Varunastra torpedo also evolving as a best system, Varunastra also offering Helicopter launched, Sub launched and Ship launched version, However the torpedo programs are kept as secret, where more details are not available in open media. 

Govt soon to take decision on P 75 I

Govt soon to take decision on P 75 I

Navy sources confirmed that government will soon to take decision of P 75 I submarine construction project in India, with the assistance from foreign vendors. Under the make in India plan private/public shipyards will be selected to construct six new generation submarines. The estimated project cost around of some $10 billions which include weapons and support systems.

Currently four nations offering their submarines and government personally request the Japanese to participate the P 75 I program. each nations offer's their new generation air independent and fuel cell based submarine to India, Earlier six scorpene class submarine costs around some $3 billions. and India plans to construct additional three secorpene subs.

The new generation submarines comes with pretty modern technologies, like vertical launching tubes, marine delivery vehicles, and advanced propulsion mechanism. The Israeli Dolphin boats comes with six 533mm torpedo tubes and four 650mm torpedo tubes to launch long range popeye cruise missile.

The German designed modified Dolphin known as one of the heaviest and superior sub marine after the Japanese Soryu class boats. The Germans are offering the Type 214 submarine, which is a variant of Dolphin class. The Japanese are asked to participate the P 75 I program with the new generation Soryu class displacing around 4000 tons. However they didn't interested to participate.

Recently the Spanish offered their S 80 class submarine to India, when speaking, Navantia shipyards officials said, Spain is ready to offer the state of art S 80 to India under the P 75 I program.

Anyway, as per some information's there were two contenders are competing to capture the deal, one is the French DCNS made SMX Ocean and the German designed Type 216 boats. India currently operates German, French and Russian made submarines. and Indian Navy not ready to move away from the earlier contractors. So it would be a challenge between SMX Ocean and Type 216.

The SMX Ocean is a derivative of French nuclear submarine Barracuda. The SMX ocean comes with AIP and lithium ion cells instead of nuclear propulsion in Barracuda. The unique model of SMX Ocean comes with six vertical launching cells and torpedo tubes. The sub also comes with a marine delivery vehicles, which can also launch unmanned underwater vehicles too.

The SMX Ocean is a huge sized submarine with the displacement of around 4000 tons. Almost equal size of the German future submarine Type 216. both these large size submarines are designed to conduct operations long away from the port or conduct long range underwater escort mission for carrier strike group.

The Germans didn't offered the Type 216 to India, Since it is a concept model only. If India asks the Germans to offer the Type 216 they will offer it. Currently the Type 216 and SMX Ocean participating the Australian submarine tender to replace the Collins class submarine.  The Australians are operating two Juan Carlos class LHD's. The new submarines are intended to provide underwater escort to the LHD's.

Soon Indian Navy too operate two large sized aircraft carrier and four LHD's. As a carrier strike missions Navy needs two submarines for underwater escort. this can be done by Scorpene and SMX Ocean or Type 216 submarine.

Navy plans four more Scorpene Submarine

Navy plans four more Scorpene Submarine

    Indian Navy plans to increase the Scorpene submarine orders. as Navy satisfied it's performance during the sea trails, also Magazon dock has the technology, Navy plans to increase the Scorpene orders to ten. as first under Project 75, Navy shortlist French firm DCNS to collaborate with Mumbai based MDL to build six Scorpene submarine with complete transfer of technology. Navy also wants the last two submarines should be modified to carry DRDO developed Fuel cell based AIP- Air independent propulsion, to increase the sub merged performance.

    After five year of delay, the New Government fast tracks the Scorpene building and launched the first submarine named INS Kalvari this year. INS Kalvari due to complete all of the proposed sea trails, harbor acceptance trails and weapon firing trails before entering into the Navy. Indian Navy operates vintage German designed HDW class submarines and Russian made Kilo class submarines, all of the Submarines are inadequate to perform underwater missions.

    As Magazon dock has the Technology of building the scorpene class submarine. Navy plans to order additional four submarines, to meet the Indian Navy’s critical requirement of underwater capability. the initial order of first six submarine will be completed by 2020. later India plans to float another tender to acquire additional six submarine under Project P 75 I, which includes vertical launching Brahmos missile and Marine delivery vehicles. the P 75 I is also comes under make in India plan same like the earlier P 75 scorpene Project.

    Indian Navy operates nine Kilo class submarines, most of them built in early 1990's. and another four HDW Class submarines, they too built in early 1986 to 1994, Navy leased a Nuclear attack boat from Russia the Akula class submarine, and operates another Nuclear test vehicle INS Arihant. as INS charka is the only submarine which can perform long range missions, and able to safe guard Navy's carrier battle group. Indian Navy also plans to lease another Russian Attack boat however the plan still on tables.

     As all of the other Scorpene class submarine comes with AIP propulsion. which increases the sub merged performance of the Submarine compared to normal diesel electric system. however Navy keeps out the AIP in the first four Scorpene Submarines. without providing any information about the modification. also Navy plans to modify the last two submarines with DRDO developed fuel cell based AIP, which is more advanced and gives more endurance than the normal AIP. also Navy says follow on order of four more scorpene incorporates the same DRDO AIP propulsion systems. AIP allows conventional submarines to remain submerged for long periods without having to surface to recharge their batteries. Scorpene boats can remain submerged for as long as 50 days, at depths of up to 300 meters,

    The Scorpene, comes with six Torpedo tubes, which can fire wire guided Torpedo's, deploying mines, and able to fire exocet SM 39 Anti shipping missiles. one of the special features in the Scorpene. thus allows the Scorpene to perform long range anti shipping roles. India modified one of the last kilo class submarine which can fire such long range anti shipping missiles, the last Kilo class submarine INS Sindhurashtra can fire Klub anti shipping cruise missile through it's torpedo tubes, who's range is more than 200 kilometers.

    Navy plans the future P 75 I submarine should have multiple mission packages. as slated it can fire anti shipping cruise missiles through it's torpedo tubes or VLS cells, fire Brahmos land attack cruise missile through eight cell VLS system. and can also comes with the marine delivery vehicle, which can deploy Navy's elite Marcos close to enemy shores. Russian Amur class submarine, Japanese Soryu and French SMX ocean bidding for the Tender, the tender yet to released. 

Building Nuclear Attack Submarines SSN in India

Building Nuclear Attack Submarines SSN in India

    India Exploring options to build six new nuclear attack submarines in Indian shipyards, with private and foreign helps, three nations already jumped-in to join the project, earlier Reliance talked with several Russian Submarine builders to build the same in Reliance shipyards in India, and now Indian officials initiated talks with French and American ship builders, India plans build those sub marines under Make in India plan, along with private support, cabinet committee cleared the Navy's proposal of building those submarines in India earlier this year, as part of the program Navy starts moving with the Project.

    Reliance is too much taking advantage of Indian ship building sector, earlier they acquired Indian private shipyard Piavav, they also hired Navy's ex vice admiral  HS Malhi, to lead the Reliance's move on defense sector, as Initial plans they signed many deals with Russians include Kilo class submarines overhauling works, seized some projects from UAE, and more on, however their main target is winning the Navy's SSN bid, before other announcing their interests in the SSN Project, Reliance officials went to Russia and talked with Russian officials about the Indian SSN Project,

    Unlike Missile launching Submarines, the Nuclear attack submarines are more complex, in terms of designing and developing, those SSN can capable to defend the Carrier Groups much longer time, can stay deep in the water, to search both underwater and surface targets, chase enemy subs, launching attacks, and many other combat duties, India has the technology of constructing missile submarines, Arihant is an good example, of course Russians helped in several key issues to achieve victory in the ATV program.

    However, India isn't matured to build a good diesel attack submarine, the current P 75 is constructed with the Help of French Shipbuilder DCNS, DRDO also closely working to install the home made fuel cell based AIP system in the last two Scorpion Class submarine, also exploring foreign help to build future diesel submarines under P 75 I project, under these two projects Navy plans to induct some twelve new Submarines, which also replaces all Kilo and HDW class submarines currently operated by Indian Navy.

    After the P 75 project, Navy needs the Nuclear attack boats, countries like blue water Navy's already having Nuclear attack submarines, even China too operates such attack boats, to speed up Indian Navy's options to get such capability by 2025, Navy needs to work from now.

    It's reported by Economic times, US recently dispatched a Team from major US Submarine builders and they met Indian defense ministry officials and Naval officers, the meeting held early July this year, due to the sensitivity of the Program, Government keep those news and discussion as classified,

    The same such meetings also held with French officials, the meeting is much classified, even french DCNS officials too denied to talk about the Program, The French currently constructing six nuclear attack submarines under the code name of Barracuda, meanwhile french also pitching the Indian Officials  to select the SMX Ocean for P 75 I project, however no clear info about this project. currently French naval team closely working with Brazil to construct a nuclear powered Boat, however it's not a pure SSN or SSBN, since it's a modified Diesel boat with Nuke propulsion.

   Earlier It's reported that, India may lease another nuclear attack boat from Russia, the discussions is still going on, it may be cleared during the Modi's visit to Russia end of this year, some sources mentioned that India may tries to buy the Yasen's blueprints via Reliance defense,and India currently operates a Akula class submarine for Fleet escort, which is given by the Russian as a ten year lease contract.

    Nuclear attack boats are one of the crucial projects to every nations, Since it almost a game changer in every Naval battle, and It's clear either the Russian or American or the French won't give their latest technology, however India may get options to explore preceded class submarines from those nations, like French Rubis class, American Sea wolf or Los Angeles class, and Russian Akula class submarines, also constructing and maintaining Nuclear submarine takes billions of dollars, more than $2 billions needed to construct a single modern nuclear attack boat, also these submarines needs some $30-$50 millions every year for maintenance and operating.

   So due to such concerns, India may slowly step in to the elite SSN club, India plans to operate some three Carrier group along with four Amphibious strike group, each of the invasion group needs at least a single SSN for under water missions.

Foreign Assistance to Construct INS Vishal

Foreign Assistance to Construct INS Vishal

   After Officially disclosing details about the IAC-II project, Indian navy has forwarded formal request to foreign shipyards to assist an Indian shipyard in constructing India's biggest naval ship code named 'IAC-II'. The construction of the IAC is considered to be extremely demanding and with India aiming to integrate the latest technology it is crucial India receives help from foreign nation.  Indian navy has now formally forwarded request to American ship building company Lockheed Martin, Britain's BAE Systems, DCNS of France and Russian shipyards under Rossoobornexport.


Indian navy is now in  the process of selecting the Indian shipyard which will be heading the project. The biggest naval vessel to be built by an Indian shipyard was IAC-1/INS Vikrant, 40000 tonne aircraft carrier which was completed at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). Just before the start of the IAC project CSL had received major boost to its infrastructural capabilities to accommodate the project. In the fray for the project are Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) and L&T's Hazira plant which was instrumental in the completion of INS Arihant, India first nuclear powered submarine.


The vessel to be built under IAC-II is expected to be longer than IAC-I and is expected to displace around 65000 tonne when completed. IAC-II is also expected to be filled to the brim with the latest available modern technology, Indian navy is actively pitching to equip the aircraft with the latest western technology. With this Indian navy has already inclined towards the support of Lockheed Martin and BEA systems. The vessel will feature a CATBOR deck meaning the aircraft will be launched with a steam or EMALS propelled catapult. 

The project also will face the competition of private industries in the form of L&T which has associated itself closely with the grown of Indian defense programs over the decades. L&T has Kattapulli yard under it's disposal which has received major infrastructural boost. The shipyard has churned out both naval and civilian vessels, concentrating mainly on huge oil tankers which displace around 20000 tonne. The shipyard has also been producing vessels for the Indian coast guard and foreign naval forces. L&T is currently involved in the construction of seven patrol vessels for the Indian Coast guard. The shipyard also is involved in the construction of  54 fast interceptor boats for the Coast guard.






The competition from the Indian shipyard's can be easily refined out, even though nine shipyards have been invited the capabilities of the shipyards for the construction of super carrier is a matter of concern. HSL, CSL and L&T making the cut is confirmed for now and the best bet of the lot would be CSL given the experience and the infrastructure the shipyard. CSL poses readily available infrastructure which will need minimal changes. On the other hand HSL which can be enhanced for handling the work will be shortly have it's hands tied in the construction of the six nuclear powered attack submarines. Even though L&T has been a reliable partner, handing over a product of this scale will be prove to be suicidal for India. Rather L&T can be engaged in building indigenously mastered surface combatants like frigates and destroyers.


India is inclined towards US technology given  the consortium both the nations have formed. The relationship between the largest democracies have reached a new level, during Obama's visit to India the nations agreed to set-up working groups for co-developing carrier technology. With Indian navy now opting to request Lockheed Martin for help the agreement seems to be in the making. Lockheed Martin is a leading naval advisor and project executer for US navy and has been instrumental in providing the USN with state-of-the-art Littrol ships, destroyers and massive landing docks. 

   
The maker of US super-carrier are infact Northrup Gruman which have been building Nimitz class carriers since their introduction. It is believed India hasn't forwarded the LoR to Northrup, the exact reason behind this is yet to be known. Only BAE systems has publicly acknowledged about receiving the LoR and has confirmed it's participation in the program. Lockheed Martin is yet to announce and acknowledge its role in the program but what is certain is the adoption of US technology on-board this massive vessel. India has set foot in acquiring the latest technology and aims to equip the ship with EMALS and also to power the carrier with nuclear power.


EMALS is a child of US navy which has been successfully developed and is currently being implemented on the 100000 tonne Gerald R Ford-class carrier. The technology has already been tested for launching dead weights from the decks of the carrier, EMALS has also launched multiple aircraft from the land-based  testing model. Implementation of EMALS is a win-win situation for the Indian navy, the system will drastically boost the launch capabilities of the naval aviation. The operational capability of naval aviation is constrained to a great level owing to the STOBAR design of India's current carrier INS Vikramaditya. Induction of EMALS and CATOBAR technology will help the navy launch heavier aircraft with minimal strain to the air-frame.  The operational range will also receive a major boost considering the fuel saved during the entire launch process. 

Apart from US, the other reliable partner India can lookout will be BAE systems. India has imported two of its former aircraft carrier from Britain and hence has a active working group with the company. BAE systems has been instrumental in Britain super carrier, Elizabeth class and has been working relentlessly to equip the carrier with the latest technology. Though Elizabeth class employs a STOL deck little modification will yield in a CATOBAR deck and India's experienced marine engineering team can handle the whole work on the deck. The major problems will be mastering the propulsion and aircraft launch system. BAE has also publicly acknowledged its participation in the program, Lockheed Martin and BAE systems have working groups which are closely working to squeeze in the F-35 for Britain's future carrier. With India opting for western technology the induction of BAE into working group will a major boost.

       DCNS has been a key naval partner for India, the Scorpene's are an example for India's trust on France. India extensively uses France products in its navy, DCNS was the key in France mastering its super carrier dreams. DCNS actively pitched its product for France Super-carrier Charles de Gaulle which is similar to India's IAC-II dreams. DCNS has also been instrumental in France acquiring the Mistal class LHD's. Mistral will be a key competitor in the LHD tender floated by India. DCNS will surely give a run for Lockheed should India consider asking a competitor for the reliable US technology. 

       

   Russian shipyards have also been invited and have received the LoR, but this can be consider as eyewash method the navy implemented to keep the Russia federation crunching for Indian projects. The first issue with the Russian shipyards would be reliability and cost overruns, this was experienced when India inducted INS Vikramaditya. The cost projection increased exponentially sending the Naval command into a tizzy and time limits were repeatedly increased. Almost every project India went with Russia has had problems blocking the complete execution of the project but  Russia undoubtedly is the most trusted partner of India. Russia has given India a sneak peak into almost all modern technology and has helped India in mastering its ship building capabilities.Weather any Russian shipyard will partner Indian shipyard for the project is a question best left unanswered considering the strain the relationships the countries have suffered. The only logical thought towards this would be India's quest to master "Western technology" through this project.


With the new government stressing for a robust naval force, the IAC project has received some serious review's at the top most level. The Defense ministry has allotted $5 millions for the project and has slashed the time frame by requesting foreign partners to reply in the shortest possible time frame. By the year end we'll be seeing the project taking off and IAC-II taking shape. Indian navy has completed the design phase and is now confused in freezing the propulsion system for the carrier. If everything falls into plae there is no doubt of India operating a super carrier in the next decade.

Editor - Karthik Kakoor

Swedish A 26 Submarine for Indian Navy P 75 I

Swedish A 26 Submarine for Indian Navy P 75 I

     The Swedish naval firm Kockums Collins slowly pushing the next generation diesel electric submarine to the Indian Navy, where Sweden lost in the race of supplying the Gripen Fighters to the Indian Air force, now they looking to sell it's advanced concept designed A 26 Submarine to the Indian Navy, Recently Navy floated and RFI for Supply six new generation diesel electric submarines to the Indian Navy under project name P 75 I.

     Earlier the French firm DCNS won the contract of supply six Diesel electric submarines to the Indian Navy under Make in India project, where DCNS supply spare parts and design technology to the Indian private firm who build the Ships in India, they also gives the rights to the Navy to modify existing technology with newer or Indian made subsystems. recently the Navy floated out the first of the Scorpene named as Kalvari class, Navy plans to commission all the six Submarines before 2020.

     The P 75 1 is the successor class of Kalvari, the same existing tenders and Contracts, but more advanced version is inducted, since Scorpene is older technology, Navy looks for Advanced Diesel Electric submarines, west and other countries knows Indian Navy looks for foreign designs, same like earlier days, India went for two designs, one set of HDW or Type 209 submarine from Germany, and another set of Kilo class submarine from Russia.

    But that creates many problems too, mainly the logistics spare and Service issue, both were different models and platforms,after that many of the Officials suggested sticks with single platform, where this also makes problems, one submarines acoustic signature is got in enemy hands it's easy for them to identify other Submarines easily, but operating multiple models makes enemy operators confuse to  identify or locate the exact range and acoustic signatures.

     So Navy has two options either sticks with French Scorpene aka Kalvari Class or Advanced versions from French named SMX Ocean, both have similar operating procedures and Machines but improved model, makes the crew easily switch from other submarines. or go for a New design, currently three others have heavy competition like the Russian Kilo Class, Swedish A 26, and the Japanese Soryu Class.

      The Options are something complex, where Indian rival enemy China has almost full knowledge about the Russian Kilo class, China operates good numbers of Kilo class bought from Russia, they also successfully modified the kilo class, so buying the Kilo class makes no sense if we fight against the Chinese in Future,

      Another one is the Japanese Soryu class, one of the finest Diesel Electric submarine from the Japanese, most advanced SSK across the globe, a Heavy SSK weighting over 5000 Tons, can launch tons of weapons, can able to dive upto some 1500 feet, where other modern SSK can dive only upto 1000 feet, But the problem is Japan won't sell it's top most military Hardwares to other countries, The Australians hardly negotiating to get those submarines, But still they get no clear words from the Japanese Ministry, Indian Defense Minister also approached the Japanese Ministry to Participate the P 75 I program, even that they didn't shown much interest in the existing US 2i Amphibious plane deal.

     So the Clear option comes out Swedish and French designs, that's why the Sweden Firm slowly pitching the A 26 to the P75I program, But in performance wise it's very poor compared to the all other models, like lower dive depth, lower tonnage, weapon launching capacity, But they have the very good Artistic representation which can attract the every customer. the Recent Paris Air show 15 Swedish officials takes the  words towards Indian Officials, While India keep silent on the P 75 I,

Indian Navy MSV Part 1

 Indian Navy MSV Part 1

Mistral in Action

 

Mistral French Navy

           The Multi Role Support Vessel is a warship that was sought by the Indian Navy to perform multiple roles from a single platform. Indian Navy aimed to perform humanitarian and disaster relief operations, evacuation missions, aviation operations using the rotary wing aircrafts attached to these vessels. The vessels were also required to perform amphibious assault operations and force projection. 

            Indian Navy was also charged to protect the water and islands around the strategic Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The Navy along with the Coast Guards was charged the overall responsibility of the Lakshwadeep Islands. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands form an archipelago in the crucial Bay of Bengal waters. 

INS GHARIAL

          Andaman and Nicobar Islands were captivated by the Japanese during the World War II. Repeated reporting of suspicious activities in and around these Islands has been a major problem the Navy has been unable to solve. Constant threat to these Islands from a sea borne hostile force is something India can’t role down. To curb the presence of Chinese vessels and influence in and around these strategic islands the Andaman and Nicobar Command was carved out.   

          Performing amphibious operations on these Islands is something Indian forces have to be always committed to be and with various vessels being placed under the ANC it has turned out to be a major Amphibious Warfare Hub. Amphibious operations have been part of the warfare for quite a long time. The primary method in amphibious operations is to deliver troops to shore. The forces are delivered to the shore through mechanized landing crafts and the forces are usually given air support through the Rotary and fixed crafts attached to the vessels.

         Indian navy is currently in command of the Austin Class amphibious transport dock INS Jalashwa. India procured INS Jalashwa with six Sikorsky Sea king helicopters for US $90 million. It is currently under the Easter Naval Command. 

       The Kumbhir class tank landing ships have been used by IN for amphibious operations. IN also operates eight Kumbhir class vessels; four each of these vessels are homed in Vishakhapatnam and Port Blair. 

        IN operates Magar class amphibious ships which were indigenously developed in Hindustan shipyard limited. HSL built two ships of these class, both the vessels operate out of Vishakhapatnam. 

      The Shardul class vessels have been charged with the responsibility of landing main battle tanks on the shores. The last vessel inducted by Indian navy for amphibious roles was the INS Jalashwa in 2007. The other vessels charged with amphibious operations have turned obsolete thus arising the need for newer vessels to perform this crucial task. 

      By 2009 Indian Navy forwarded a request to Ministry of Defence for acquiring Landing Helicopter Dock. This would enable the Navy with capabilities for performing humanitarian and disaster response, amphibious warfare and for protecting the Islands of India. The Ministry of Defence taking note of the depleting fleet floated a tender for procuring 4 LHD Multi-Role Support Vessels in November 2013. 

         The program was designated under the ‘Make and Buy’ scheme. The vessels were to be built under foreign and Indian shipyard collaboration. The first two ships were to be built under the collaboration in an Indian ship yard. The remaining two would be built by the state run Hindustan Shipyard Limited under a ToT program. A committee setup by the Indian Navy for the LHD program setup strong requirements for the program.

       The vessel itself was to be no more than 35 tons. The vessel was expected to endure a mission of roughly 45 days and was required to float at speeds not less than 20 knots. It was to be powered by an electronic propulsion system and was to carry at least 10 rotary aircrafts. The vessel was to accommodate 1400-1500 troops with landing crafts, air-cushion vehicles, 40 heavy load trucks, at least 6 main battle tanks, armoured vehicles and mechanized landing crafts to ferry the troops and the vehicles to the shore. 

       The vessel was required to be fitted with a defensive suite which included heavy and light machine guns, missile systems, CIWS, anti torpedo decoys and counter measure systems. It was also required to accommodate a command centre for planning and monitoring the course of an assault. The vessel was also planned to be used as a floating hospital for which the vessel was to accommodate an “emergency hospital area “. 

       India received consent from various foreign shipyards to be part of the program. Larsen & Toubro tied up with the Navantia of Spain which offered Juan Carlos to the Indian Navy. Pipavav Defence, a leader and pioneer in shipping technologies in India teamed up with France’s DCNS which is considered to be one of the biggest exporters to India in terms of transfer of technology and also in revenue term. The ABG Shipyard partnered with Alion of the USA. Fincantieri, BAE systems, Raytheon ThyssenKrupp Marine systems and the Schelde naval shipbuilding have shown interest.

Pipavav Defence  – DCNS

     One of the very first firms to respond for India’s RFP was DCNS, France. DCNS is one of the largest exporters to India in terms of technology. DCNS is already involved in the construction of the Scorpene submarines which are currently under construction in Mazgon docks,Mumbai.  

        DCNS teamed up with the Pipavav Defence and Offshore Engineering to offer the Mistral–class amphibious vessels. BPC 250 at 24542 tonnes and measuring 214.5 mts was offered to India.

   The French navy currently operates three ships of the class .Mistral is based on the BIP-19 design. BIP was designed at 19000 tons with a 190 meter long flush deck aiding for amphibious operations. An aircraft carrier like design was put forward by DCNS, which could launch an aircraft in STOBAR configuration using a Ski-jump.

    French senate turned down this design for the NTCD program. A more robust rotary aircraft carrier or mainly an amphibious assault ship was to be supplied to the French Navy. During the Euronaval 1998 which is an international event applying high technology to naval defence and maritime security and safety, the French made a formal announcement that the vessels under PHI program would be designed based on the design of the BIP-19 vessels.   

   By December 2000 an approval was received from the public purchase authority for the construction of these vessels. A contract for construction was handed over to DCN and Chantiers de l’Atlantique. An initial order for the construction of two ships of the class was handed over. The keels for the ships were launched by July 2002 and December 2002. The first of the ship under the class was designated as the Mistral and the other as the Tonnerre. 

       Mistral was launched by October 2004 and Tonnerre by July 2005. Mistral was inducted on 15 December 2006 and Tonnerre by August 2007. A third ship of the class under the name Dixmude was ordered. Mistral made her maiden voyage from 21 March to 31 May 2006. Tonnerre's maiden voyage took place between 10 April and 24 July 2007. 

     With over 20000 tonnes the Mistral class amphibious ships are one of the biggest ships in service under the French navy.  The Mistral can accommodate up to 450 troops, the ship is equipped with a sprawling 28000 sq ft vehicle hangar which can easily accommodate up to 40 battle tank battalions. The vessel also has a 9,530 sq ft well deck that can easily accommodate up to four landing crafts. The vessel is also capable of operating hovercrafts which are already under the command of the Indian Coast guard. The ship has a 9,100 sq ft command centre which can accommodate up to 150 personnel. 

   The information relay system for the ship based on the SENIT system (System for Naval Usage of Tactical Information). SENIT is developed on the Thales 3D MRR3D-NG Multi Role Radar which operates on the C band. For communications, the Mistral-class ships use the SYRACUSE satellite system, based on French satellites SYRACUSE 3-A and SYRACUSE 3-B. Indian Navy can effectively enhance these systems with its own satellite systems that has been put to extensive use.

        Mistral class amphibious ships are currently armed with an effective defensive suite. The vessel lacks an offensive suite but was never really designed with an offensive role. The Mistrals are armed with two Simbad launchers which can launch the Mistral missiles designed by the MBDA missile systems. The Mistral is an infrared homing which was basically designed as a Manportable surface-to-air missile. 

Mistral VSHORAD

   Improved version of this missile was equipped onboard armoured vehicles, helicopters and ships. Mistral uses an advanced proportional navigation system using a gyro as a reference when in pursuit of a target.  To effectively enhance the Electronic counter-countermeasures capabilities the seeker of the Mistral missile has a very narrow field of view to reject decoys and interference. The ship also has an autocanon built by the Alenia Marconi systems and is armed with the advanced 30 mm/70 guns. 

     The ship is also armed with the Browning .50 Caliber Machine Gun which is a heavy machine gun. The M2 is battle proven weapon and has been in production longer than any other machine gun.

         The vessel also has a space for emergency medical facilities which comes with specialized facilities for dentistry, diagnostics, specialist surgical and medical capabilities, food hygiene and psychological capabilities. The ship has a 900 sq mt space for the medical facilities which can room 20 emergency medical rooms and 69 hospitalisation bed. The ship can also accommodate 7 intensive care beds.

     The ship has a sprawling 69000 sq ft flight deck which is one of the largest flight decks provided by any ship in its role.  The flight deck has six helicopter landing spots which can be used simultaneously without any hindrance to other crafts operations. The vessel also has a 19000 sq ft hangar deck which can accommodate up to 16 rotary crafts. The ship is also provided with two aircraft lifts which can lift loads up to 13 tonnes. 

    The Mistral’s are powered by azimuth thrusters and is one of the first to be used in French Navy. Azimuth thrusters are a configuration of marine propellers placed in pods that can be rotated to any horizontal angle. The use of azimuth thrusters over the rudder and the traditional propeller enhances the maneuverability of the ship. The most powerful podded thrusters in use are the four 21.5 MW Rolls-Royce Mermaid units. Retractable thrusters are used as auxiliary propulsion for dynamically positioned vessels and take-home propulsion for military vessels. These thrusters are powered by electrical propulsion unit and use five 16-cylinder Wärtsilä 16V32 diesel alternators, and can be used in any angle. This propulsion technology gives the ships significant manoeuvring capabilities, as well as freeing up space normally reserved for propeller shafts. This system also reduces the space. 

Podded Propulsion System

   Crew cabins on aboard the Mistral-class ships are present in the forward section of the ship. The ship has ample of space for allotting a single cabin to each of the officer on board the ship.  Senior non-commissioned officers share two-man cabins, while junior crew and embarked troops use four- or six-person cabins. Each of these cabins are carved out with the interest of the crew and is said to be providing one of the best living conditions for the crew in high seas. 

 

      Mistral was part of operation Baliste which provided support during the Lebonon war in 2006. During Cyclone Nargis Mistral provided humanitarian supplies to Burma. 

      Tonnerre was involved in ‘Operation Licorne’ in the Ivorian civil war. Tonnerre was involved in the Corymbe 92 mission in 2008 it provided humanitarian support in the Gulf of Guinea. 

     Mistral till date has only been operated by the French Navy, the Russian navy had signed a contract for purchase of two Mistral class ships. The ships were to be delivered to the Russian forces by 2014. But owing to an arms embargo against Russia due to the alleged involvement of Russian forces in Crimea, France declined to deliver these ships to the Russian Navy. 

         Though Indian Navy has shown an inclined interest towards the Mistral a lot many issues have cropped up with Mistral basic design which is not in par with the RFP issued by India. Mistral works on a podded engine system. Indian Navy has strongly rejected this design. Indian Navy has also requested for better utilization of the flight deck and aims to operate heavier rotary crafts from the deck. It has to been seen if India chooses Mistral and DCNS will come up with new design asked by the Indian forces. But Mistral is one of the battle proven platforms under the program and the links of DCNS to the Indian Industry may have scored value points for it in the procurement process. 

 Article By Karthik Kakoor