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The Indian Navy significantly bolstered its capabilities on Wednesday with the commissioning of three frontline warships: INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vaghsheer. This event marks a significant milestone for India's indigenous defense manufacturing and its growing naval power projection in the Indo-Pacific region. The commissioning ceremony, presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighted the nation's commitment to self-reliance in defense technology and its aspiration to become a leading maritime force.
INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class, represents a new generation of multi-mission frigates designed for blue-water operations. Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), it embodies an integrated construction philosophy that significantly reduced its building time. Equipped with a supersonic surface-to-surface missile system, a Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system, an upgraded 76 mm gun, and rapid-fire close-in weapon systems, INS Nilgiri is capable of tackling both conventional and non-conventional threats, excelling in anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare. Its commissioning marks a significant step towards completing the Project 17A, with six more frigates currently under construction.
INS Surat, the fourth and final ship of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class, represents a pinnacle of India's warship design and construction. This guided-missile destroyer is notable for being the Indian Navy's first AI-enabled warship, utilizing indigenously developed AI solutions to optimize operational efficiency. Designed by the Warship Design Bureau and built by MDL, INS Surat embodies the evolution of India's destroyer capabilities. Its advanced sensors and communication systems make it a key asset in network-centric warfare, enhancing the navy's ability to coordinate and share information among various force elements. With a displacement of 7,400 tonnes and a speed exceeding 30 knots, INS Surat is a potent platform equipped with state-of-the-art weapons, including surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes.
INS Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the Kalvari-class (Project 75), represents a significant expansion of India's underwater capabilities. Based on the Scorpene-class design, this diesel-electric attack submarine is renowned for its stealth capabilities, making it a formidable hunter-killer. INS Vaghsheer's advanced sonar systems, wire-guided torpedoes, and anti-ship missiles enhance its effectiveness in anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare. The submarine is also designed for intelligence gathering, area surveillance, and special operations. The modular design allows for future upgrades, including the integration of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, which will greatly extend its submerged endurance from 2026 onwards. The commissioning of INS Vaghsheer completes the Kalvari-class project, strengthening India's ability to project power and defend its strategic maritime interests.
The simultaneous commissioning of a destroyer, a frigate, and a submarine is unprecedented in the Indian Navy's history. This event underscores the significant progress made in India's indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities, allowing for rapid expansion and modernization of its naval fleet. The commissioning ceremony also highlighted the increasing importance of India's role as a responsible maritime power in the Indian Ocean Region. The Prime Minister emphasized India's contribution to regional security through humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and the protection of maritime trade routes, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining stability and security in the region. The economic significance of this endeavor is equally profound, creating thousands of jobs and fostering the growth of the Indian defense industry.
The three new additions—INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vaghsheer—represent not only a significant technological leap but also a strategic shift in India's naval power. These warships, equipped with advanced technology and designed for diverse missions, will strengthen India's ability to safeguard its maritime interests, respond to evolving threats, and project its influence in the wider Indian Ocean Region and beyond. The success of these indigenous projects underscores the nation's commitment to self-reliance in defense and its ambition to become a leading player in global maritime security. This development also has significant implications for regional geopolitics, signaling India's growing naval strength and its role in maintaining peace and stability in the crucial Indo-Pacific region.
Source: INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer commissioned: Three cheers for Indian Navy