The Indian Navy operates multiple classes of frigates designed for multi-role missions, featuring advanced stealth, weaponry, and sensor technologies. Below are the key classes and their specifications:
Indian Navy Frigates
Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) Stealth Frigates
Length:Â ~149 meters
Displacement:Â Approx. 6,670 tonnes
Top Speed:Â Around 28 knots
Armament:
BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles
Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MR-SAM)
76 mm OTO Melara main gun
30 mm and 12.7 mm close-in weapon systems
Torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets
Aviation:Â Supports helicopters like Kamov Ka-31 for ASW and AEW roles
Stealth:Â Enhanced stealth features (reduced radar cross-section, infra-red, acoustic, and magnetic signatures)
Sensors:Â State-of-the-art electronic warfare suite and sensors.
Note:Â These are more advanced than the previous P17 class, with increased size and more modern systems.
Shivalik-class Frigates
- Length:Â 142.5 meters
- Displacement:Â 6,200 tonnes
- Top Speed:Â Over 32 knots
- Armament:
- Klub and BrahMos missiles
- Shtil-1 Surface-to-Air Missiles
- 76 mm gun, AK-630 CIWS
- Torpedoes
- Aviation:Â Can carry 2 helicopters such as the HAL Dhruv or Westland Sea King
- Stealth:Â First Indian ships with stealth features (reduced IR, radar, acoustic signatures)
- Sensors:Â Modern radar, electronic warfare systems.
Talwar-class (Upgraded Krivak-III) Frigates
- Length:Â 125 meters
- Displacement:Â ~3,900 tonnes
- Top Speed:Â Exceeds 30 knots
- Armament:
- BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles
- Shtil Vertical Launched SAMs
- Medium-range anti-air and surface guns
- Close-in weapon systems
- Anti-submarine torpedoes and rockets
- Aviation:Â Supports Kamov Ka-28 and Ka-31 helicopters for ASW/AEW
- Propulsion:Â Advanced gas turbine
- Role:Â Multi-dimensional attack (air, surface, underwater, electromagnetic).
Godavari-class (Type 16)
- Length:Â 126.4 meters
- Displacement:Â 3,600 tons (standard), 3,850 tons (full load)
- Speed/Machinery:Â Two turbines (30,000 hp), two boilers, two shafts
- Armament:Â Mix of Indian, Russian, and Western weapons
- Role:Â Guided missile and multi-role frigate.
Overview Table
| Frigate Class | Displacement (tonnes) | Length (m) | Top Speed (knots) | Principal Armament | Stealth Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nilgiri (P-17A) | ~6,670 | ~149 | ~28 | BrahMos, MR-SAM, 76mm, torpedoes | Advanced |
| Shivalik | ~6,200 | 142.5 | >32 | Klub/BrahMos, Shtil-1, 76mm, CIWS | Stealth features |
| Talwar | ~3,900 | 125 | >30 | BrahMos, Shtil SAM, torpedoes | Stealth features |
| Godavari | 3,600–3,850 | 126.4 | 30,000 hp turbines | Indian/Russian/Western missiles, guns | Legacy |
Additional Notes
- The latest generation frigates, like those under Project 17A, exemplify India’s push toward indigenous design and technology while incorporating imported systems where required.
- Stealth features, advanced sensors, electronic warfare, and the capability to carry multi-role helicopters are common across modern Indian Navy frigates.
- As of 2025, India operates 14 guided-missile frigates from classes including Nilgiri, Shivalik, Talwar, and Brahmaputra.
These frigates represent the cutting edge of Indian maritime security, ensuring robust defense across the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.
