SOURCE: AFI
The P17A Nilgiri-class frigates have set a new benchmark in naval warfare capabilities for the Indian Navy, being the first class of warships to integrate the 76/62 mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) with the advanced Strales fire control system and Dart programmable guided ammunition. This cutting-edge weapon system significantly enhances the frigates’ ability to neutralize a variety of modern threats, including swarm UAVs and anti-ship subsonic cruise missiles.
Manufactured indigenously by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) at its Haridwar plant, the upgraded 76/62 mm SRGM with Strales capability is a medium-caliber, multi-role weapon system that serves as a formidable point defense solution. Its advanced fire control system allows it to track and engage multiple targets with remarkable precision, even in complex, multi-threat scenarios.
The Dart ammunition, guided and programmable, is a key component of this system, designed to deliver exceptional accuracy and lethality against fast, highly maneuverable targets such as missiles and attack crafts. This combination of sustained fire rate and guided projectiles ensures the weapon system’s reliability and effectiveness in protecting the ship and its assets.
Beyond its anti-missile and anti-aircraft roles, the SRGM with Strales is a versatile system with a proven track record of operational success, making it a critical asset in the evolving landscape of naval warfare. The integration of such advanced technology into the P17A Nilgiri-class frigates underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to enhancing its combat readiness and adopting indigenously developed solutions in line with the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.
As the first class in the Indian Navy to be equipped with this state-of-the-art system, the Nilgiri-class frigates are poised to play a pivotal role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests and maintaining regional stability.