Kolkata-class destroyers are equipped with a highly advanced electronic system, with the centerpiece being the EL/M-2248 MF-STAR active electronically scanned array (AESA) multifunction radar. This radar consists of four antenna arrays mounted on the mast, providing a wide target surveillance capability. It is considered the world’s best radar system, offering high-quality imaging and supporting weapon interfaces in the most challenging weather conditions and environments in both current and future naval operations.

The radar has the ability to simultaneously track airborne and surface targets, providing guidance for anti-aircraft and anti-ship missiles, as well as naval artillery. The EL/M-2248 MF-STAR boasts exceptional accuracy and performance comparable to the AN/SPY-1D radar on the US Aegis cruisers.

Supporting the main radar is the EL/M-2238 STAR surveillance radar, both of which are manufactured by Israel’s IAI Elta. Additionally, the Kolkata-class destroyers are equipped with the LW-08 airborne surveillance radar from Thales, France.

In terms of anti-submarine warfare capabilities, the Kolkata-class destroyers are equipped with the state-of-the-art HUMSA-NG underwater positioning system, which includes a hull-mounted array and a towed array. It also features the Deseaver MK II electronic warfare system produced by Elbit Systems and the EMCCA Mk-4 multi-target combat data system developed by India.

Another factor contributing to the destroyers’ superior capabilities is their optimized weapon systems. The Kolkata-class destroyers are equipped with 4×8 vertical launch systems (VLS) capable of launching two types of missiles: the Barak-1 surface-to-air missile with a range of 12 km and the Barak-8 medium-range surface-to-air missile with a range of 70 km. The Barak-8 missile operates independently and does not rely heavily on target acquisition or guidance systems.

The most formidable weapon of the Kolkata-class destroyers is the 16-cell vertical launch system for the PJ-10 BrahMos anti-ship cruise missile. The BrahMos is currently the fastest anti-ship missile in the world, with a range of up to 300 km.

For naval artillery, the original plan was to equip the Kolkata-class destroyers with 130mm guns from Russia, but it was later changed to the 76mm gun from France, which has a firing rate of up to 220 rounds per minute.

In terms of anti-submarine warfare, the destroyers are equipped with 4 533mm torpedo tubes and 2 RBU-6000 rocket-launched anti-submarine systems. They also receive support from two Agusta Westland Sea King or HAL Dhruv anti-submarine helicopters.

For close-in defense, the Kolkata-class destroyers are armed with 4 AK-630 rapid-fire guns. They are further supported by the Barak-1 low-range surface-to-air missiles.

The Indian Navy has put significant emphasis on equipping the Kolkata-class destroyers with a comprehensive array of advanced systems and weaponry, making them a formidable force in both offensive and defensive naval operations.