INS Nilgiri, Surat, Vaghsheer: More Teeth To Indian Navy As PM Set To Commission 2 Warships, 1 Submarine Today – Details

January 15, 2025, marks a pivotal moment for the Indian Navy as Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissions two warships—INS Nilgiri and INS Surat—and the submarine INS Vaghsheer. The ceremony at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, is expected to showcase India’s growing prowess in indigenous defense manufacturing.

Highlighting the importance of this event, PM Modi said, “Tomorrow, 15th January, is going to be a special day as far as our naval capacities are concerned. The commissioning of three frontline naval combatants will strengthen our efforts towards being a global leader in defense and augment our quest towards self-reliance.”

 

INS Nilgiri: Advanced Stealth Frigate
INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of Project 17A, represents a major step forward in India’s warship design and construction. Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), it is an improvement over the Shivalik-class frigates, featuring enhanced stealth capabilities and reduced radar signatures.

Equipped with advanced sensors and weapons developed indigenously or in collaboration with global manufacturers, Nilgiri is designed for versatility in operations. Its aviation facilities can support helicopters like Chetak, ALH, Sea King, and MH-60R. Innovative features, including the Rail-Less Helicopter Traversing System and a Visual Aid and Landing System, ensure seamless helicopter operations in all conditions.

INS Surat
INS Surat, the fourth and final destroyer of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class, is a follow-on to the Kolkata-class (Project 15A) destroyers. It incorporates substantial upgrades in design and capabilities.

Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, INS Surat is equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry and sensor packages, solidifying its role as a frontline combatant. Like Nilgiri, it includes accommodations for women officers and sailors, reflecting the Navy’s commitment to gender inclusivity.

INS Vaghsheer
INS Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine under the Kalvari-class Project 75, is one of the world’s most advanced diesel-electric submarines. Built by MDL in partnership with Naval Group of France, it is equipped for a range of missions, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and special operations.
Armed with wire-guided torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and advanced sonar systems, Vaghsheer’s modular construction allows for future upgrades, such as the integration of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology.

The commissioning of these three combatants underscores India’s growing self-reliance in defense production. All three platforms have been designed and constructed entirely at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai. This achievement highlights India’s position as a global leader in defense manufacturing, showcasing the country’s ability to produce sophisticated military hardware.
 

Rigorous Trials and Ready for Deployment
Before commissioning, all three platforms underwent rigorous trials, including machinery, hull, firefighting, damage control assessments, and tests of navigation and communication systems at sea. With these trials complete, Nilgiri, Surat, and Vaghsheer are now fully operational and ready for deployment.

Boost to India’s Maritime Strength
As India faces challenges from China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean Region, the induction of these frontline naval assets comes as a strategic boost to India’s blue-water combat capabilities. These warships and submarines will play a critical role in protecting India’s maritime interests and ensuring regional stability.
The commissioning of INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vaghsheer is not just a landmark moment for the Indian Navy but also a significant milestone in India’s journey toward self-reliance in defense manufacturing.