OREANDA-NEWS. June 25, 2012. Zvezdochka Shipyard on June 23, 2012 rolled out from a covered hangar the ISS Sindhurakshak (S63), a large diesel-electric submarine of Kilo class Project 877, upgraded for the Indian Nay, the shipbuilder’s press service said.

The submarine overhaul and modernization contract was signed between Shipbuilding Center “Zvezdochka” and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of India on June 4, 2010 and in August of the year the ship arrived in Severodvinsk for refitting. The shipbuilding company installed a modern missile system Club-S, over 10 systems of Indian and foreign origin, including a CCS-MK radio-communication system, hydro-acoustic USHUS complex, and Porpoise Electronic Support Measures, upgraded cooling systems, installed radar Porpoise and completed other works that could enhance the combat capabilities and safe operation of the submarine.

After the submarine was rolled out from the construction hall she will take water to undergo dock-side trials, sea trials and missiles test launches. Upon completion of these works and after final painting, the INS Sindhurakshak will be handed over to the Indian Navy. The warship delivery is scheduled for the end of this year.

The INS Sindurakshak is the fifth submarine undergoing repair and modernization at Zvezdochka Shipyard for the Indian Navy. The first vessel - INS Sinduvir - was delivered to the Indian side after renovation and upgrade in 1999. The INS Sindhurakshak is the ninth in a series of India’s submarines of Kilo class. The sub characteristics: displacement - 2,300 tons, length overall - 72.6 m, submerged speed - 19 knots, test depth - 300 meters, complement – 52, endurance - 45 days. The ship was built at St. Petersburg-based Admiralty Shipyards in 1995 under the contract with the Indian Navy. The submarine was delivered in June 1997 and on December 24, 1997 she was commissioned into service with the Indian Navy. The INS Sindhurakshak was sailing under the flags of the Eastern and Western Command of the Indian Navy and has actively participated in naval operations.

Severodvinsk-based Shipbuilding Center ‘Zvezdochka’ is a diversified shipbuilding enterprise. It has two covered slipways with 7 shipbuilding sites which are designed for overhaul and construction of vessels with a launching weight of up to 18,000 tons. The firm is majority owned by Northern Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Center, part of JSC United Shipbuilding Corporation.