According to Mint, in an official statement, the government remarked, “The combined commissioning of Nilgiri, Surat, and Vaghsheer demonstrates India’s unparalleled progress in defense self-reliance and indigenous shipbuilding.”
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The Surat is a guided-missile destroyer, while the Nilgiri is a stealth frigate, both featuring cutting-edge technology. They are equipped with modern aviation capabilities, enabling them to operate various helicopters, including the Chetak, ALH, Sea King, and the newly inducted MH-60R, during day and night operations. The government added, “Both Nilgiri and Surat include specific accommodations to support a sizeable complement of women officers and sailors, aligning with the Navy’s progressive steps toward gender-inclusion in frontline combat roles.”
These additions to the fleet, along with the submarine Vagsheer, are expected to greatly enhance the Navy’s combat capabilities and strengthen its operational readiness.
Nilgiri Surat and Vaghsheer Ship
Indian Navy’s Surat Ship
The Surat is a remarkable addition to the Indian Navy, being the fourth and final ship of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class. This vessel is the culmination of the follow-on class to the Kolkata-class (Project 15A) destroyers, showcasing significant advancements in design and operational capabilities.
With a displacement of 7,400 tons and a length of 164 meters, Surat stands out as a guided missile destroyer equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry, including surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes. Its propulsion system, based on Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) technology, incorporates four gas turbines that enable the ship to reach speeds exceeding 30 knots (56 km/h).
Additionally, Surat is set to become the Indian Navy’s first warship powered by indigenously developed artificial intelligence solutions, enhancing its operational efficiency significantly. The ship’s keel was laid on November 7, 2019, and it was launched on May 17, 2022, marking it as the fastest indigenous destroyer built, with delivery achieved within just 31 months.
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Indian Navy’s Nilgiri Ship
The Nilgiri is a milestone in the Indian Navy’s fleet as the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class. This frigate represents a major advancement over the Shivalik-class frigates, incorporating advanced stealth technologies and reduced radar signatures.
It is the first of seven P17A frigates under construction at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers in Kolkata. Powered by two Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion systems, Nilgiri is capable of operating in blue-water environments to counter both conventional and non-conventional threats.
It is armed with cutting-edge systems such as supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missile systems, a 76 mm upgraded gun, and rapid-fire close-in weapon systems. Launched into water on September 28, 2019, after its keel was laid in December 2017, Nilgiri began sea trials in August 2024 and has since completed rigorous testing.
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Indian Navy’s Vagsheer Ship
The Vagsheer submarine is the sixth and final addition to the Scorpene-class under the Kalvari-class Project 75. Known for its silence and versatility, Vagsheer is designed for a variety of missions, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, area surveillance, and special operations.
It is equipped with wire-guided torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and advanced sonar systems. Its modular construction ensures adaptability for future upgrades, such as the integration of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, which will further enhance its endurance and stealth capabilities. This diesel-electric submarine represents the cutting edge of underwater warfare technology and reinforces India’s maritime strength.
