The Indian Navy is set to commission three major fleet assets—Nilgiri, Surat, and Vaghsheer—on January 15, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. This marks a significant development in India’s maritime capabilities and indigenous shipbuilding initiatives.
The Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigates, represents an upgrade over the Shivalik-class frigates. The vessel features advanced technology designed to reduce radar signatures. Similarly, the Surat is the fourth and final ship in the Project 15B stealth destroyer class, building on the capabilities of the Kolkata-class destroyers. Both ships were designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and equipped with advanced sensors and weapon systems developed domestically or through international partnerships.
The Nilgiri and Surat are equipped to operate various helicopters, including Chetak, ALH, Sea King, and MH-60R, for day and night operations. These ships include systems such as the Rail-Less Helicopter Traversing System and a Visual Aid and Landing System to enhance aviation efficiency. Accommodations have also been added to support women officers and sailors, reflecting the Navy’s policy of expanding combat roles for women.
The Vaghsheer is the sixth and final submarine in the Scorpene-class under the Kalvari-class Project 75. It is capable of diverse missions, such as anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and special operations. It features wire-guided torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and advanced sonar systems. The submarine’s modular construction supports potential future upgrades, including Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology.
All three platforms were built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, demonstrating the advancements in indigenous defense manufacturing. These vessels underwent comprehensive trials to ensure operational readiness.
