Godavari-class

Summary

Description

The Godavari-class frigates represent an important chapter in the Indian Navy's pursuit of indigenously developed warships. Initially referred to as Type 16 or Project 16, these guided-missile frigates were named after prominent Indian rivers, with INS Godavari as the lead ship, followed by INS Ganga and INS Gomati. This class marked India's first major effort in indigenous warship design and development, with a design based on the preceding Nilgiri class but with increased emphasis on local content, boasting a 72% Indigenous content level. The modified design featured a larger hull for enhanced capabilities, including the ability to deploy two Sea King helicopters, which the smaller Nilgiri-class could not accommodate.

Within the context of operational history, the conception of the Godavari class derived from the experiences and operational needs identified during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971. Recognizing the importance of a ship tailored to Indian requirements that could integrate a mix of native, Russian, and European weapons systems, the construction of INS Godavari commenced with the laying of the keel in 1978 at Mazagon Dock Limited in Bombay. The ship was commissioned in December 1983. INS Gomati, notably, was the first in the Indian Navy to feature digital electronics in its combat data system. The operational service of these vessels concluded with INS Godavari's decommissioning on 23 December 2015, INS Ganga on 22 March 2018, and INS Gomati on 15 May 2022 after 34 years of service.

Regarding the design, despite suggestions to adopt gas turbine propulsion, the decision was made to continue with steam propulsion due to significant investments already committed by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in the development of steam turbines and auxiliary systems. The armaments initially reflected the missile and gun package of the Soviet Nanuchka-class corvette.

Over time, the frigates underwent major weapons and sensors upgrades. This included the installation of the Israeli Barak surface-to-air missile (SAM) system and the EL/M-2221 STGR fire control system, although P-20 missiles were retained.

Technical specifications