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India significantly enhanced its naval capabilities with the induction of three domestically manufactured vessels: INS Nilgiri (a stealth frigate), INS Surat (a guided-missile destroyer), and INS Vagsheer (a submarine). This event marks a considerable leap forward in India's indigenous military manufacturing and underscores its strategic response to the growing naval presence of China and Pakistan in the Indian Ocean region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of this achievement, highlighting India's progress towards becoming a major maritime power and achieving self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The commissioning ceremony underscored the strategic significance of these additions, particularly considering the traditionally slow pace of domestic shipbuilding in India. This rapid expansion contrasts with the substantial naval growth China has demonstrated over the past decade. The addition of these three vessels represents a tangible step in strengthening India's ability to protect its national maritime interests and project power in the region.
The INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of Project 17A, represents a significant advancement in stealth technology. Its innovative design minimizes radar detection through concealed features like a hidden mooring deck. This frigate, along with six others under construction, showcases India's progress in developing advanced warship designs. Each vessel of this class carries a hefty price tag of approximately Rs 4,000 crore, reflecting the complexity and advanced technologies employed. The design and construction of these vessels are overseen by the Navy's Warship Design Bureau, highlighting the growing expertise within India's defense industry. The emphasis on stealth capabilities reflects a clear understanding of modern naval warfare, prioritizing evasion and surprise over direct confrontation.
The INS Surat, a guided-missile destroyer weighing approximately 8,000 tons, is the final vessel of the Visakhapatnam class. Its completion marks a milestone, representing the culmination of Project 15B. This impressive warship boasts a sophisticated array of weaponry, including BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Barak-8 medium-range surface-to-air missiles, providing a robust defense and offensive capability. The inclusion of integrated subsystems from Russia, Israel, and Ukraine indicates India's willingness to collaborate internationally while maintaining its own technological advancements. Remarkably, INS Surat is also India's first warship to incorporate artificial intelligence, indicating a forward-looking approach to naval warfare and operational efficiency. The cost of INS Surat, around Rs 8,950 crore, reflects its advanced capabilities and strategic importance.
INS Vagsheer, the final Scorpene-class submarine, completes the six-submarine project. This diesel-electric submarine incorporates cutting-edge stealth technology, including advanced acoustic absorption and an innovative air-independent propulsion system. This allows for extended underwater operation without the need for frequent surfacing, enhancing its stealth and operational endurance. Its capabilities extend beyond simple patrol duties; INS Vagsheer is equipped for anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine deployment, and surveillance, making it a versatile and potent addition to India's submarine fleet. Each Scorpene-class submarine represents a substantial investment, with a price tag of Rs 3,942 crore, reflecting the sophistication of the technology involved. The addition of INS Vagsheer strengthens India's underwater capabilities, contributing significantly to its overall maritime security.
The induction of these three vessels signifies more than just an increase in the number of warships. It represents a crucial step in India’s quest for strategic autonomy and self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The government's focus on indigenous development is not merely a matter of national pride; it also offers critical advantages in terms of reducing dependence on foreign suppliers, enhancing operational control, and tailoring capabilities to meet specific regional challenges. The ongoing construction of 62 more warships and a submarine further underlines India's commitment to expanding and modernizing its naval forces. The substantial investment in domestic shipbuilding capabilities ensures that India can continue to build its naval strength to meet present and future maritime security demands. The commissioning of these new vessels serves as a clear message to regional and global actors of India's growing maritime power and its determination to safeguard its national interests.
Source: India increases Naval might as it inducts three new war vessels: Know details