North News
New Delhi, January 1
January 15 is poised to be a historic day for India as the Indian Navy prepares to commission three cutting-edge combatants including Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class, Surat, the fourth and final ship of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class and Vagsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the Scorpene-class project. The event will take place at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.
This milestone will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s combat capabilities and highlight India’s growing self-reliance in defense production. All three platforms, designed and constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, demonstrate the nation’s advancement in indigenous shipbuilding. Their commissioning underscores India’s rapid progress in warship and submarine design, reinforcing its position as a global leader in defense manufacturing.
Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class, incorporates cutting-edge stealth technology and reduced radar signatures, making it a major step forward from the Shivalik-class frigates. Surat, the final ship of the Project 15B destroyer class, is a sophisticated follow-up to the Kolkata-class destroyers, featuring improved design and capabilities. Both ships are equipped with advanced sensors and weaponry developed largely within India, alongside strategic collaborations with global defense manufacturers.
Both Nilgiri and Surat are capable of operating a range of helicopters, including the MH-60R, with aviation facilities and systems designed for seamless operations in all conditions. The ships also feature accommodations to support women officers and sailors, advancing gender inclusion in combat roles.
Vagsheer, the sixth and final Scorpene-class submarine, is a state-of-the-art diesel-electric vessel with advanced capabilities in anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, as well as intelligence gathering. Equipped with wire-guided torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, Vagsheer also boasts modular construction for future upgrades, such as the integration of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology.
The commissioning of Nilgiri, Surat, and Vagsheer represents a major leap in India’s defense self-reliance, showcasing the country’s strength in producing advanced combat platforms. The vessels have undergone extensive trials to ensure full operational readiness, marking a key moment in the Indian Navy’s modernization.
This historic event not only enhances India’s maritime strength but also exemplifies the nation’s remarkable achievements in defense manufacturing, further solidifying its commitment to a self-sufficient defense ecosystem.
