Daily News Analysis

Stealth Frigates from Russia for the Indian Navy

stylish_lining
  • Current Status: Two stealth frigates being constructed in Russia for the Indian Navy are nearing delivery after facing delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine conflict, and Western sanctions.
  • First Frigate: Named Tushil, it is ready for acceptance and is scheduled for delivery by September 2024.
  • Second Frigate: Named Tamal, it is expected to be delivered by February 2025.

Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) Details:

  • Agreement Date: October 2016.
  • Scope: The agreement involves four stealth frigates.
  • Direct Import: Two of these frigates are to be directly imported from Russia.
  • Local Manufacturing: The other two frigates are to be manufactured locally by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).

Technical Aspects:

  • Engines: All four frigates are powered by engines from Zorya-Mashproekt, a Ukrainian company.
  • Stealth Capabilities:
  • Design: The frigates are designed with advanced stealth technologies, including radar-absorbent materials and angular shapes to reduce radar reflection.
  • Purpose: These features aim to minimize the frigates' visibility to enemy radar and other detection systems, enhancing their survivability and effectiveness in combat scenarios.

Significance for the Indian Navy:

  • Enhanced Capabilities: The inclusion of stealth frigates bolsters the Indian Navy's capabilities by providing advanced warships that are harder to detect and target.
  • Strategic Importance: The frigates' delivery strengthens India-Russia defense ties and contributes to India’s naval modernization efforts.

Challenges Faced:

  • COVID-19 Impact: The pandemic led to construction delays and disruptions in the supply chain.
  • Ukraine Conflict: The ongoing war in Ukraine has affected the production and delivery schedules.
  • Western Sanctions: Sanctions imposed on Russia have further complicated the procurement process, impacting timelines and logistics.

Conclusion:

The addition of these stealth frigates to the Indian Navy’s fleet will enhance its maritime capabilities, particularly in terms of stealth and advanced warfare technologies. Despite the challenges faced during construction, the delivery of these frigates represents a significant step in India's naval expansion and modernization efforts.

Maharashtra Scraps Hindi as Compulsory Third Language

The Maharashtra government recently scrapped its Government Resolutions (GRs) that mandated Hindi as a compulsory third language from Grades 1 to 5 in Marathi and English medium schools. While the
Share It

River Pollution in India

The Delhi government's focus on cleaning up the Yamuna River is part of a larger national effort to rejuvenate the Ganga River and its tributaries, in alignment with the Namami Gange Programme
Share It

Infrastructure Failures

The recent collapse of the Mahisagar River Bridge in Vadodara, which tragically claimed the lives of 20 people, underscores the growing concern over India's infrastructure quality. Similar
Share It

Special Intensive Revision (SIR)

The Supreme Court (SC) is currently reviewing the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) process for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, suggesting that Aadhaar,
Share It

GM Crop

In ongoing trade talks, the United States is advocating for India to open its agriculture market to genetically modified (GM) crops. However, India has firmly rejected this proposal, citing concer
Share It

India-Brazil Relations

India and Brazil share a growing and dynamic bilateral relationship that has evolved across various sectors since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1948. Their Strategic Partnership, formali
Share It

Legislative Productivity

The Lok Sabha Speaker’s remarks about the need to enhance legislative productivity reflect growing concerns about the diminishing effectiveness of India’s legislative bodies. The chall
Share It

Economic Growth

India's rapid urbanization is set to dramatically shape its future. The transformation of its cities holds immense potential for economic growth, but it also brings significant challenges. As
Share It

Global South

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Brazil from July 2-9, 2025, for the BRICS summit, was not only his longest international visit in 11 years but also marked a significant diplomatic outr
Share It

Maharashtra’s Special Public Security Bill, 2024

The Maharashtra Assembly has recently passed the Special Public Security Bill, 2024, aimed at combating “urban Maoism” and left-wing extremism in the state. The Bill criminalizes activ
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS