ravi_n_naik
New Member
It seems that the SS-N-25 Switchblade AShMs which are installed in the Delhi class destroyers was a wrong choice by the Indian navy.
Initially the delhi class destroyers were to be fitted with the far more potent SS-N-22 Sunburn missiles. This is clearly illustrated by the fact the first Delhi class destroyer has blast deflectors required for the Sunburn missile.
The reason was perhaps high cost of the SS-N-22 and also that only 8 can be fitted against 16 SS-N-25.
following stats show the capabilities of both missiles
(range / warhead / speed)
SS-N-22 (250 km / 320 kg / Mach 3.0+)
SS-N-25 (130 km / 145 kg / Mach 0.9)
from above stats it is clear that 8 SS-N-22s are definately more powerful than 16 SS-N-25s. Also because of the high speed of the SS-N-22 it is almost invulnerable to SAMs. It also has a very high hit probability and given the fact that it has a 320kg warheade one strike is enough to destroy the target. Incedently the Sovrenemy class destroyers supplied to China by Russia has SS-N-22s. The air launched version of this missile the "Moskit"
can be carried by Su-30/33 fighters.
thus the higher cost is clearly justified. Since the Delhis are one of the most powerful ships of the Indian Navy they should have been equipped with the SS-N-22.
Initially the delhi class destroyers were to be fitted with the far more potent SS-N-22 Sunburn missiles. This is clearly illustrated by the fact the first Delhi class destroyer has blast deflectors required for the Sunburn missile.
The reason was perhaps high cost of the SS-N-22 and also that only 8 can be fitted against 16 SS-N-25.
following stats show the capabilities of both missiles
(range / warhead / speed)
SS-N-22 (250 km / 320 kg / Mach 3.0+)
SS-N-25 (130 km / 145 kg / Mach 0.9)
from above stats it is clear that 8 SS-N-22s are definately more powerful than 16 SS-N-25s. Also because of the high speed of the SS-N-22 it is almost invulnerable to SAMs. It also has a very high hit probability and given the fact that it has a 320kg warheade one strike is enough to destroy the target. Incedently the Sovrenemy class destroyers supplied to China by Russia has SS-N-22s. The air launched version of this missile the "Moskit"
can be carried by Su-30/33 fighters.
thus the higher cost is clearly justified. Since the Delhis are one of the most powerful ships of the Indian Navy they should have been equipped with the SS-N-22.
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