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On January 15th, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi oversaw the commissioning of three significant naval assets: the INS Surat destroyer, the INS Nilgiri frigate, and the INS Vaghsheer submarine. This event, held at Mumbai's Naval dockyard, represents a substantial leap forward in India's naval capabilities and underscores the nation's commitment to self-reliance in defense. The commissioning ceremony was hailed by PM Modi as a 'special day' for India's naval strength, significantly enhancing its blue-water combat capabilities and its ability to project power in the Indian Ocean Region. The event comes ahead of Republic Day celebrations, adding to the national pride and demonstrating a powerful show of force.
The INS Surat, a guided-missile destroyer belonging to Project-15B (Visakhapatnam-class), represents a significant advancement over its predecessors. It embodies a new generation of destroyers, incorporating substantial improvements in design, automation, and weaponry compared to the Kolkata-class (Project-15A). These improvements reflect a commitment to cutting-edge technology and enhanced operational efficiency. The ship's advanced capabilities include sophisticated radar systems, anti-ship and anti-air missiles, and state-of-the-art sensors, allowing for greater effectiveness in a variety of scenarios.
The INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of Project-17A, marks another significant milestone. This stealth guided-missile frigate incorporates enhanced stealth features, significantly reducing its radar signature, making it a more difficult target to detect. It also boasts state-of-the-art technology and the capability to operate independently without requiring supporting vessels. Its advanced design allows it to function as the flagship of a naval task force, highlighting its leadership role in naval operations. The ship’s design and construction, spearheaded by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau, demonstrate India's growing indigenous design and shipbuilding capabilities.
The INS Vaghsheer, a Scorpene-class submarine (Project 75, Kalvari-class), represents a crucial addition to India's underwater warfare capabilities. This diesel-electric submarine is recognized as one of the world's most silent and versatile submarines. Its modular construction allows for future upgrades, including the potential integration of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology. AIP technology would significantly enhance the submarine's operational endurance by eliminating the need to frequently surface for oxygen, providing a decisive advantage in extended deployments and challenging operational environments. The submarine's capabilities encompass anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, area surveillance, and special operations, showcasing its multifaceted operational potential.
The simultaneous commissioning of these three vessels emphasizes India's strategic vision for its navy. The addition of a modern destroyer, a stealth frigate, and an advanced submarine significantly strengthens the Indian Navy's capabilities across diverse operational domains. This boost in naval power is crucial for protecting India's maritime interests, safeguarding its coastlines, and projecting its influence in the strategically vital Indian Ocean Region. The event reflects a broader trend of increasing self-reliance in India's defense sector, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and to foster innovation within the domestic defense industry.
The significance of this event extends beyond the immediate enhancement of India's naval capabilities. It showcases India's growing technological prowess and its commitment to modernization. The development and construction of these sophisticated warships and submarines signify a considerable investment in research and development, engineering expertise, and skilled manpower. The projects also support and stimulate the growth of the domestic defense industry, creating jobs and boosting economic activity. These actions contribute to India's overall strategic goals, encompassing national security, economic development, and technological advancement.
The commissioning of the INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer serves as a powerful demonstration of India's resolve to safeguard its national interests and secure its place as a significant player on the global stage. The event reinforces India's commitment to maintaining a strong and capable navy, capable of meeting the challenges of an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. The focus on self-reliance in defense not only strengthens national security but also promotes technological independence and fuels economic growth, placing India firmly on the path towards becoming a global leader in defense technology and manufacturing.
Source: 'Special day': PM Modi to launch 2 warships, sub in Mumbai on Jan 15