The Indian Navy will commission three frontline vessels on January 15: the “Nilgiri” stealth frigate, the “Surat” stealth destroyer, and the “Vaghsheer” submarine.
Reflecting India’s commitment to its growing defense indigenization, the trio of platforms underwent design and construction at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai.
As the warships and submarine have already completed trials and assessments, they will be ready for deployment following their commissioning ceremony at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.
Warships
Launched in September 2019, the Nilgiri is the lead ship out of seven stealth frigates from the Indian Navy’s Project 17A.
The eponymous frigate class builds on upgrades from the Project 17 Shivalik class.
Meanwhile, the Surat is the fourth and final ship of the Project 15B (Visakhapatnam-class), an improved version of the Project 15A (Kolkata-class) destroyers.
Both ships, designed by the navy’s Warship Design Bureau, are equipped with advanced sensors, stealth features, reduced radar signatures, and weapon systems that were indigenously developed or in collaboration with leading manufacturers.
They can also operate various helicopters used in day and night operations, such as the Chetak, ALH, Sea King, and the MH-60R Seahawks commissioned in March 2024.
Additionally, the Nilgiri and Surat are outfitted with a rail-less helicopter traversing system and a visual aid and landing system.
As the Indian Navy pursues gender inclusion in frontline combat roles, the warships include specific accommodations for female officers and sailors.
Submarine
The diesel-electric submarine Vaghsheer is the sixth and final vessel under the Scorpene class, also known as the Kalvari class in India, under Project 75.
Vaghsheer first entered the water in April 2022, launched by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in collaboration with French Naval Group.
It features wire-guided torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, advanced sonar systems, and a modular system for various missions ranging from anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence and surveillance to special operations.
