Russia has delivered the Project 877 EKM (Nato Kilo-class) submarine, INS Sindhurakshak (S63), following completion of modernisation to the Indian Navy during a ceremony at Zvezdochka shipyard, Russia.
In June 2010, Russia’s Zvezdochka shipyard was awarded a contract to upgrade the fifth Kilo-class diesel-electric submarine, INS Sindhurakshak, for the Indian Navy.
Upgrades to the submarine include the installation of 3M54E1 anti-ship and 3M14E land attack cruise missiles as part of the Klub-S missile system, as well as the Ushus hydro-acoustic (sonar) system and CSS-MK-2 radio communications system.
In addition, the submarine has been upgraded with a modified cooling system, a Porpoise radio-locater fitted and other refits to enhance military capacity and safety of the boat.
Sindughosh-class boats have been designed to support anti-submarine (ASW) and anti-surface ship (ASuW) warfare missions.
Type 877EKM submarines have a surfaced displacement capability of 2,300t, a maximum diving depth of 300m and can cruise at a surfaced speed of 10k with a range of 6,000nm.
Powered by diesel-electric propulsion with two diesel generators and one propulsion motor, Type 877EKM submarine features MGK-400 sonar, active radar with a target separation system as well as a radar warning receiver and a direction finder.
Russia has built ten Kilo-class submarines for the Indian Navy and has already overhauled four of them in INS Sindhuvir (S58), INS Sindhuratna (S59), INS Sindhughosh (S55), and INS Sindhuvijay (S56).
Known for being quiet boats, the Kilo-class diesel-electric submarines have also been purchased by China, Iran, Poland, Romania and Algeria.
Image: A Russia-built Kilo-class Type 877EKM submarine in harbour. Photo: file image.
