Kora class

Overview

Kora class

Forward view of Kora class with 76mm Oto Melara cannon. Note the unique quad Uran missile setup.
Source: www.aame.in - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin

India

Type

Corvette

Entered service

1998

Status

In service

Development

Late 1980's

Developer

India - Indian Naval Design Bureau

Production

1990 - 2001 (4 for India)

Producer

India - Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited

Unit cost

About $ 44 million per unit

Number produced

4 for India
1 for Mauritius

Designations

Project 25A (design project)
Kora class (India)
Barracuda class (Mauritius)

Notable users

India - Navy
Mauritius - Coast guard

Description

Introduction

The Kora class is a modern class of corvettes of Indian origin. They are primarily used as well armed surface combatants. They feature only limited air defense and no anti-submarine capabilities. The choice for proven conventional design elements resulted in limited acquisition costs. However, issues with weapon system integration resulted in a long delivery time.

Layout

The Kora class has a conventional classic design that is a further development of the older Khukri class. A 76mm gun is located at the front, anti-ship missiled are fitted in front of the superstructure and a helicopter deck is mounted aft. A single Chetak or Dhruv helicopter can be carried.

Firepower

The main armament consists of four quadruple KT-184 launchers for the 3M24 Uran (NATO: SS-N-25 Switchblade) anti-ship missiles. These subsonic missiles have a 130 km range. Gun armament consists of a single 76mm AK-176M or 76mm Oto Melara dual purpose cannon. Self defense is provided by two 30mm AK-630 close-in weapon systems and shoulder launched Strela-2M (SA-7 Grail) or Igla-1E (SA-16 Gimlet) missiles.

Sensors

The Kora class is fitted with a basic sensor suite. The main sensors are the air search radar and surface search radar. Further systems include a combat data system, ESM system and fire control radar for the 76mm gun and CIWS. Countermeasures include PK 10 chaff launchers and a towed torpedo decoy.

Mobility

The Kora class is powered by two 7.200 hp diesel engines that power two shafts. A maximum speed of 25 knots can be achieved. Operational range is 4.000 nautical miles at 16 knots.

Users

All four original Kora class corvettes are used by the Indian navy. They will remain in service in the foreseeable future. In 2012 two vessels were ordered by Mauritius in an unknown configuration. This was later reduced to one vessel.