INS Kamorta

INS Kamorta is the first of four anti-submarine Kamorta-class stealth corvettes being built for the Indian Navy. It is designed and manufactured by GRSE, launched on 19 April 2010. It is part of Project 28, approved in 2003. As in INS Shivalik, high-grade steel produced in India was utilized for its construction. It is expected to be delivered to Navy in end of 2013. It is the first indigenous anti-submarine corvette as well as the first indigenous stealth corvette built by India.

Design and description
The INS Kamorta was originally expected to be built using high-tensile steel but lapses in imports lead it to be built by local steel. The ships employs very low under water voice signature and radar cross-section due to its ‘X’ form of hull and superstructure. She is the first Indian Navy ship to be built with carbon fiber reinforced plastic which reduces weight and life cycle maintenance costs.

It is the first indigenous anti-submarine corvette as well as the first indigenous stealth corvette built by India. About 80% of the ship is indigenous and the ship is capable of fighting in NBC conditions. It is equipped with a rail-less helo traversing system which is used for handling a helicopter. It also features a foldable hangar door.

General characteristics and propulsion
INS Kamorta will have a length of 109 m overall and a beam of 13.7 m. The ships displace about 4000 t at full load. It is powered by four 3800 KW diesel engines at 1,050 rpm

It uses four Pielstick 12 PA6 STC Diesel engines in CODOG configuration and is propelled two two-shaft, controllable-pitch propellers which allow the ship to reach a top speed of 32 kn. It will have a complement of 85 and an endurance of 4000 nmi.

Armament
The Kamorta is equipped with a wide range of weapon systems. It is fitted with a OTO Melara 76 mm main gun, and uses two AK-630 guns and 16-cell VLS launched Barak 1 missiles as close-in weapon system. In addition, it is fitted with 8 3M54 Klub multi-role missiles, 2 RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers and torpedo tubes. It is also equipped with the Kavach decoy system for protection against anti-ship missiles.

Construction
Kamorta was ordered in 2003 and was launched on April 21, 2010. It was expected to join the fleet in October 2012 but is now expected to join the navy by end of 2013.