January 15, 2025, is set to be a milestone day in India’s history as the Indian Navy prepares to commission three advanced frontline platforms—Nilgiri, the first ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class; Surat, the fourth and final ship of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class; and Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the Scorpene-class project—at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.
This significant event will greatly enhance the Indian Navy’s combat readiness and highlight the nation’s growing prowess in indigenous shipbuilding. All three platforms have been entirely designed and built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, demonstrating India’s increasing self-reliance in defense production. Their successful commissioning marks a notable achievement in warship design and construction, solidifying India’s status as a global leader in defense manufacturing.
Nilgiri, the lead ship of Project 17A, advances the Shivalik-class frigates, incorporating enhanced stealth features and advanced technologies that reduce radar visibility. Surat, the Project 15B destroyer, is a follow-up to the Kolkata-class destroyers (Project 15A), with significant upgrades in both design and operational capabilities. Both ships were developed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and feature advanced sensors, weapon systems, and components largely sourced from domestic manufacturers or through strategic international collaborations.
Both Nilgiri and Surat are designed to operate a variety of helicopters, including the Chetak, ALH, Sea King, and the new MH-60R, during both day and night. Modern systems like the Rail-Less Helicopter Traversing System and Visual Aid and Landing System ensure smooth operations in all conditions. Furthermore, these ships include accommodations to support women officers and sailors, in line with the Navy’s commitment to gender inclusion in combat roles.
Vaghsheer, the final Scorpene-class submarine in the Kalvari-class Project 75, is one of the most stealthy and versatile diesel-electric submarines worldwide. It is capable of conducting a broad spectrum of missions, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, area surveillance, and special operations. Equipped with wire-guided torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and advanced sonar systems, Vaghsheer can also be upgraded with future technologies, including Air Independent Propulsion (AIP).
The simultaneous commissioning of Nilgiri, Surat, and Vaghsheer underscores India’s unmatched progress in defense self-sufficiency and indigenous shipbuilding. The vessels have undergone extensive trials to test their machinery, hull integrity, fire-fighting, and damage control systems, and have demonstrated fully operational navigation and communication systems.
This historic event enhances the Indian Navy’s maritime capabilities and signifies the country’s remarkable strides in self-reliant defense manufacturing. It is a proud moment for the Indian Navy and the nation, further cementing India’s commitment to establishing a strong, self-sufficient defense ecosystem.
