Indian Navy to commission 3 frontline combat platforms on 25 January
02 Jan 2025
Indian Navy is poised for a landmark in its defence preparedness with the commissioning of three frontline combat platforms – stealth frigate Nilgiri, destroyer Surat and submarine Vaghsheer - on 25 January, a day before Republic Day.
Designed and built by Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, INS Nilgiri is the fourth frigate to be constructed under `Project 17A, while INS Surat is the fourth and final destroyer to be constructed under Project 15B.
INS Vaghsheer is the last of six submarines to be built under the Scorpene project.
The three combat assets will be launched together from the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, providing a significant boost to Indian Navy’s combat potential and the country’s shipbuilding capabilities.
The three platforms have entirely been designed and constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, highlighting India’s growing self-reliance in defence production.
INS Nilgiri, which is a major improvement over the Shivalik-class frigates, incorporates significant stealth capabilities. INS Surat is the next-level destroyer in the Kolkata-class, with improved design.
Besides advanced sensors and weapon systems both Nilgiri and Surat can operate a range of helicopters, including Chetak, ALH and Sea King, as also the newly inducted MH-60R.
These ships are also women- friendly and have specific accommodations for women officers and sailors.
The Scorpene-class Vaghsheer, which is equipped with wire-guided torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and advanced sonar systems, is one of the most silent and versatile diesel-electric submarines in the world. It is capable of carrying out a range of operations, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, area surveillance, and special operations.
The submarine featurs an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, and, with its modular construction, allows for future upgrades.
All the vessels have undergone rigorous trials to validate the robustness of its machinery, hull, fire-fighting, and damage control systems, as also navigation and communication systems.
