Godavari-class frigate

The Godavari class frigates (formerly, Type 16 or Project 16 frigates) are guided-missile frigates of the Indian Navy. The Godavari class was the first significant indigenous warship design and development initiative of the Indian Navy. Its design is a modification of the Nilgiri class frigate with a focus on indigenous content of 72%, a larger hull and updated armaments.

The class and the lead ship, INS Godavari are named after the Godavari River. Three ships of this class currently serve in the Indian Navy. Subsequent ships in the class, INS Ganga and INS Gomati also take their names from Indian rivers.

INS Gomati was the first Indian Navy vessel to have digital electronics in her combat data system. The ships combine Indian, Russian and Western weapons systems.

History
The concept for the Godavari class originated from the lessons learnt in the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971. There was a need for a ship unique to Indian requirements, for deploying a hybrid of indigenously-designed, as well as Russian and European weapons systems.

One of the requirements was to deploy two Sea King helicopters from the ship. The Nilgiri class vessels were too small for this. So the final design incorporated a larger hull.

Design
Although the Directorate of Marine Engineering suggested replacing steam propulsion with gas turbines, it was decided not to do so, since Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited had made heavy investments in facilities and tooling for design of steam turbines and auxiliary systems.

For armaments, the missile and gun package of the Soviet Nanuchka class corvette was to be installed on the frigate.

The keel of the lead ship INS Godavari was laid in 1977 at Mazagon Dock Limited in Bombay. She was commissioned in December 1983.

Upgrades
All three ships have now undergone an extensive upgrade of weapons and sensors. These include the fitment of the Israeli Barak SAM system, and a new fire control system based on the EL/M-2221 STGR. The P-20 missiles have been retained for now.

Gallery
 Image:INS Godavari (F20)+INS Brahmaputra (F31)+INS Beas (F39).jpg|INS Godavari with INS Brahmaputra (F31) and INS Beas (F37) trailing during exercises with the US Navy. 