Navy’s Kolkata-Class Destroyers Lacks SAM Count Compared to Global Counterparts

The Indian Navy's Kolkata-class destroyers, while celebrated for their potent offensive capabilities, have a noticeably lower count of surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) when compared to similar-sized warships from other nations.

Though the Navy hasn't officially commented on this discrepancy, discussions with naval officials suggest a balance between cost and space constraints is the primary reason.

Powerful offensive weapons like the BrahMos missile, while crucial for the Kolkata-class destroyers' firepower, are also bulky and expensive. This trade-off results in fewer missiles being carried to keep costs in check.

This fiscal constraint extends to defensive systems as well. The MR-SAM, a widely used air defence system, is costly and faces production delays.

To bridge these gaps, the Navy is adopting a strategy of incorporating more affordable and compact Indian-made weapon systems, such as sub-sonic cruise missiles and VL-SRAMs (Vertical Launch – Short Range Surface to Air Missile). These domestically produced options are not only budget-friendly but also space-efficient.

Furthermore, the Navy, in partnership with DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation), is actively developing new weapon systems for future upgrades and integration into existing warships.

This strategic shift towards cost-effective, indigenous solutions is paving the way for a future Indian Navy fleet equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry. While current Kolkata-class destroyers might lag behind global counterparts in SAM count, this is likely a temporary compromise as India strengthens its domestic defence manufacturing capabilities and modernizes its naval fleet.

 

[Sudha]

If IN gets 6 AC's den all will be destroyed in 1 week by Pork's AIP enabled Augusta stealth subs made by DCNS France..

Completely agree with this. I dont even understand the IN's logic. They starve themselves of subs but spend a huge amount of their budget on ACs which can be easily targeted. Vanity projects instead of rationality. They cry themselves hoarse for having very few subs but spend hugely funds on easily sinkable ACs. Missiles like brahmos can easily sink ACs.

 

[Shiv]

Can someone tell me is the current CIWS is still capable?

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

And ACs are an easy target. Just imagine as per IN they can destroy a ship with 3 brahmos.

They are an easy target but they are surrounded and escorted by at least a dozen ships to defend it.

 

[Ranjeet Singh]

Our all frontline warships must have DEW, C-dome and Railguns !

 

[Poo Cheng Leong]

Quality like efficiency and effectiveness should be the order. Why produce something that's not going to work in India's favour? Like China, focus on coastal defence before trying to go to deep blue water. Wasn't that's what India has been trying to imitate China, and trying to overtake.

 

[Anant]

Yup the requirements are huge but funds limited mainly due to reluctance of taxpayers to cough up more money, corrupt bureaucrats, loopholes in tendering projects,....... and last not the least an opposition which is hellbent in destroying Bharat's economy with freebiies & corruption led by the anti national scamgress. By the recent voting trend almost half of the people want to destroy Bharat & its economy. People get what they deserve.

I agree with your entire comment save for one part: Taxpayer reluctance. The problem with India is that not enough people are paying taxes, and not that people are not paying enough taxes. We have less than 2% of the population filing taxes and actually paying something. Unless that changes massively, we aren't getting more money.

 

[Anant]

Can someone tell me is the current CIWS is still capable?

The AK-630 is still fairly capable. However, it shares the same shortcoming as almost all CIWS systems: You cannot reasonable stop high-velocity missiles using it. A subsonic missile, sure. A high supersonic or low hypersonic missile, even if engaged and destroyed, would be travelling at a speed where even the destroyed missile's debris would be more than capable of hitting the ship anyways, potentially causing even more damage.

One thing to consider would be to develop a RIM-116 type launcher for the VSHORADS SAM, and install those on our ships to complement the AK-630 as well. However, the ultimate answer is, of course, DEWs.

 

[wallisk]

Can someone tell me is the current CIWS is still capable?

Russian AK630-CIWS is pretty good. But, CCP makes the world's best ones currently.. INS Vikrant needs CIWS at least 4 sides of ship..

 

[Rajesh]

Once the vl-srsam canister launcher are ready hope they will find space into may of our warship deck providing protection to around 30-40 km complementing Israel/indo mrsam. Time we indigenise mrsam and bring our own radars instead of the Israeli one(mf star).