Article Posted on : - Jan 01, 2025

'Vagsheer' - the sixth and final submarine of Scorpene-class project of Indian Navy. (Photo: PIB)

NEW DELHI (BNS): Three frontline warships are set to join the Indian Navy at naval dockyard in Mumbai on Jan. 15, 2025.

The three frontline platforms include ‘Nilgiri’, the lead ship of Project 17A class of stealth frigate; 'Surat', the fourth and final ship of Project 15B class of stealth destroyer; and 'Vagsheer', the sixth and final submarine of Scorpene-class project.  

“This historic event will provide a significant boost to Indian Navy’s combat potential while underscoring the country’s pre-eminent status in indigenous shipbuilding,” an official statement issued by the Defence Ministry said.  

All three platforms have been designed and constructed entirely at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai. The successful commissioning of the platforms “highlights the rapid progress made in warship design and construction, cementing India’s position as a global leader in defence manufacturing,” it added.

'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. The Project 15B destroyer, 'Surat', is the culmination of follow-on class to the Kolkata-class (Project 15A) destroyers, featuring substantial improvements in design and capabilities.

“Both ships were designed by 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,” the statement said.

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.

‘Vagsheer’ – the sixth Scorpene-class submarine under the Kalvari-class Project 75, is one of the most silent and versatile diesel-electric submarines in the world. It is designed to undertake a wide range of missions, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, area surveillance, and special operations. Armed with wire-guided torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and advanced sonar systems, the submarine also features modular construction, allowing for future upgrades such as the integration of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology.

The combined commissioning of ‘Nilgiri’, ‘Surat’, and ‘Vagsheer’ demonstrates India’s unparalleled progress in defence self-reliance and indigenous shipbuilding.

The vessels have undergone rigorous trials, including machinery, hull, fire-fighting, and damage control assessments, as well as proving all navigation and communication systems at sea, making them fully operational and ready for deployment.