SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Navy has further bolstered its air defence capabilities with the commissioning of the Russian-manufactured frigate INS Tamal, which features the advanced Shtil-1 vertical-launch surface-to-air missile (SAM) system as its primary weapon for aerial threats. Developed by Russia’s Almaz-Antey Air and Space Defence Corporation, the Shtil-1 represents a significant upgrade in naval air defence technology, offering enhanced speed, range, and target discrimination capabilities.
The Shtil-1 SAM system, a navalised version of the Buk-M2 missile family, has been specially configured for vertical launch operations, significantly enhancing the ship’s ability to engage multiple aerial threats across all directions simultaneously. With its 360-degree target bearing area and capability to engage between 2 and 12 targets simultaneously, the system ensures omnidirectional protection against advanced air-borne threats.
The missile system leverages shipborne all-around radar systems to engage a broad spectrum of aerial targets, including fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, anti-ship missiles (ASMs), and even small surface threats such as speedboats. The system’s improved radar and target tracking suite now features a new TV module that enhances target acquisition and tracking, even against electronic countermeasure (ECM) attempts or during intensive evasive manoeuvres by incoming threats.
9M317ME: High-Performance Missile with Superior Maneuverability
At the heart of this enhanced SAM system lies the 9M317ME missile, an upgraded version of the earlier 9M317E missile. Key enhancements include:
- Higher top speed: Up to 1,550 m/s compared to 1,230 m/s in earlier variants.
- Extended engagement range: Up to 50 km, covering both low-flying cruise missiles and high-altitude aircraft.
- Enhanced maneuverability: Capable of withstanding 24g, allowing it to engage agile targets performing sharp evasive manoeuvres.
- Improved guidance: Dual-mode propulsion and refined flight algorithms offer better accuracy and fuel efficiency, ensuring interception even in complex battle environments.
Detailed Performance Parameters
| Parameter | 9M317E | 9M317ME |
|---|---|---|
| Length (mm) | 5,550 | 5,083 |
| Body Diameter (mm) | 400 | 360 |
| Steering Width (mm) | 860 | 820 |
| Launch Weight (kg) | 715 | 581 |
| Warhead Weight (kg) | 70 | 62 |
| Flight Speed (m/s) | 1,230 | 1,550 |
| Max Range (km) | 50 | 50 |
| Altitude Engagement (m) | 5 to 25,000 | 5 to 25,000 |
| Maneuverability (g) | 24 | 24 |
| Reaction Time (s) | ~14 | 10–19 |
| Service Life | 10 years | 10 years |
In operational terms, the Shtil-1 system can detect and destroy:
- Aircraft at altitudes from 15 to 15,000 meters
- Sea-skimming cruise missiles (PCR) between 5 to 10,000 meters
- Targets moving at speeds up to 830 m/s
- Targets performing maneuvers up to 12g
The induction of INS Tamal equipped with the improved Shtil-1 system adds a crucial layer to the Indian Navy’s layered air defence network. The ship’s capability to engage a variety of modern aerial threats — especially in a saturated electronic warfare environment — offers enhanced survivability not only for itself but also for vessels operating within its task group.
Furthermore, the integration of advanced target designation, damage assessment capabilities, and real-time control over short-range anti-air artillery significantly improves the frigate’s ability to conserve missile stockpiles and prioritise high-value threats during large-scale aerial assaults.
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