INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer : A New Era in Naval Dominance
Introduction
The recent commissioning of INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vaghsheer at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai marks a landmark event for the Indian Navy. For the first time, a frigate, a destroyer, and a submarine were commissioned together, showcasing India's growing maritime strength and self-reliance.
INS Nilgiri: Lead Ship of Project 17A Stealth Frigates
Key Features and Capabilities
- Developed under Project 17A as an advanced version of the Shivalik-class frigates (Project 17).
- Construction:
- Built indigenously by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).
- Keel laid: December 2017.
- Launched: September 2019.
- Delivered: December 2024.
- Weapons and Technology:
- Supersonic surface-to-surface missiles.
- Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM).
- Upgraded 76 mm guns and rapid-fire close-in weapon systems.
- Versatile Roles: Capable of handling anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare.
Other Ships in Class
- Six other frigates (Himgiri, Taragiri, Udaygiri, Dunagiri, Vindhyagiri, and another unnamed vessel) are under construction at MDL and GRSE.
INS Surat: Advanced Guided Missile Destroyer (Project 15B)
Specifications
- Displacement: 7,400 tonnes.
- Length: 164 meters.
- Speed: Exceeds 30 knots (56 km/h) during trials.
Key Features
- India’s First AI-Enabled Warship: Uses indigenously developed Artificial Intelligence solutions for enhanced operational efficiency.
- Equipped with:
- Surface-to-air missiles.
- Anti-ship missiles.
- Torpedoes.
- Advanced sensors for network-centric warfare.
- High-speed, maneuverable, and designed for offensive operations.
Project 15B: Stealth Destroyers Evolution
- Built as advanced variants of the Kolkata-class destroyers under Project 15A.
- Predecessors: INS Visakhapatnam, INS Mormugao, and INS Imphal were commissioned in the last three years.
INS Vaghsheer: Sixth and Final Kalvari-Class Submarine (Project 75)
Design and Development
- Based on Scorpene Class: Designed by French Naval Group and Spanish Navantia.
- Built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) under Project 75.
Key Features
- Diesel-Electric Transmission: One of the world’s most silent and versatile submarines.
- Armaments:
- Wire-guided torpedoes.
- Anti-ship missiles.
- Advanced sonar systems.
- Designed for missions like:
- Anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare.
- Intelligence gathering and surveillance.
- Special operations and naval mine-laying.
Project 75 Overview
- Six Kalvari-class submarines were built with technology transfer from France.
- Commissioned Submarines:
- INS Kalvari (2017), INS Khanderi (2019), INS Karanj (2021), INS Vela (2021), INS Vagir (2023).
- INS Vaghsheer: Commissioned in January 2025.
Strategic Importance
Indigenous Construction
- All three vessels are Made in India, highlighting the success of the Make in India initiative.
Enhancing Naval Strength
- These platforms significantly strengthen India’s maritime defense capabilities and enable the Navy to deter regional threats.
Operational Versatility
- Each vessel serves unique roles:
- INS Nilgiri: Multi-mission frigate with blue-water operational capabilities.
- INS Surat: High-speed, offensive destroyer with network-centric warfare capabilities.
- INS Vaghsheer: Stealth submarine for underwater and covert operations.
Bolstering Maritime Influence
- These ships enhance India’s strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and establish its role in global maritime security.
Conclusion
The commissioning of INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vaghsheer is a testament to India's growing naval capabilities and self-reliance in defense manufacturing. By adding these advanced platforms, India strengthens its position as a formidable maritime power, ensuring security and stability in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.
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