The Indian Navy has significantly bolstered its anti-submarine warfare capabilities with the INS Kavaratti and INS Kiltan, two new, indigenously built corvettes. These vessels incorporate a groundbreaking innovation from Sweden's Saab: carbon fiber composite superstructures.
This advanced technology replaces traditional metal superstructures (the portion of the ship above the main deck). Carbon fiber's remarkable strength and light weight drastically reduce the corvettes' overall weight. This translates to increased agility, maneuverability, and fuel efficiency – all vital advantages in combat situations.
Crucially, the use of carbon fiber greatly enhances the ships' stealth. It's far less reflective to radar than metal, making the INS Kavaratti and INS Kiltan harder for enemy systems to detect. This allows them to operate with greater tactical flexibility and remain hidden for longer durations.
An Indian Navy spokesperson emphasized the significant advantages provided by the carbon fiber superstructures, noting the enhanced stealth, agility, and operational flexibility they bring to the fleet. The spokesperson also acknowledged Saab's technological expertise as a valuable partner.
In addition to the performance benefits, carbon fiber boasts natural resistance to corrosion, reducing maintenance costs over the lifetime of the vessels.
