In a landmark event in the country’s history, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will commission two frontline warships Nilgiri and Surat and submarine Vaghsheer into the Indian Navy on Wednesday, adding significantly to the blue water capabilities of the Indian Navy.
This is for the first time that three combatants --- INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer --will be commissioned into the Indian Navy simultaneously, at a function to be held at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.All three combatants have been designed and constructed entirely at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai.
“This historic event will provide a significant boost to the Indian Navy’s combat potential while underscoring the country’s pre-eminent status in indigenous shipbuilding. The successful commissioning of these advanced warships and submarines highlights the rapid progress made in warship design and construction, cementing India’s position as a global leader in defense manufacturing,” a defence spokesperson said.
Nilgiri, the lead ship of Project 17A, is a major advancement over the Shivalik-class frigates, incorporating significant stealth features and reduced radar signatures through state-of-the-art technology, while the Project 15B destroyer, Surat is the culmination of the follow-on class to the Kolkata-class (Project 15A) destroyers, featuring substantial improvements in design and capabilities.
Both ships were designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and are equipped with advanced sensors and weapon packages developed primarily in India or through strategic collaborations with leading global manufacturers.
Equipped with modern aviation facilities, Nilgiri and Surat can operate a range of helicopters, including Chetak, ALH, Sea King, and the newly inducted MH-60R, during both day and night operations.
Both the warships have features like a Rail-Less Helicopter Traversing System and a Visual Aid and Landing System ensure seamless operations under all conditions. These ships also include specific accommodations to support a sizeable complement of women officers and sailors, aligning with the Navy’s progressive steps toward gender inclusion in frontline combat roles.