India to Commission Three Advanced Warships and Submarine on January 15, 2025

On January 15, 2025, India will mark a historic milestone as the Indian Navy commissions three state-of-the-art combat platforms—INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class; INS Surat, the fourth and final destroyer of the Project 15B stealth class; and INS Vagsheer, the sixth and final Scorpene-class submarine. The commissioning ceremony will take place at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.

This event highlights India’s growing self-reliance in defense production, as all three platforms have been designed and built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. It showcases India’s position as a global leader in indigenous shipbuilding and defense manufacturing.

Advanced Technology

• INS Nilgiri: A next-generation stealth frigate, much more advanced than its predecessor, the Shivalik-class frigates. It features advanced stealth capabilities, reduced radar signatures, and is equipped with modern sensors, weapons, and aviation facilities. It can operate helicopters like the Chetak, ALH, Sea King, and MH-60R.
• INS Surat: The final ship in the Project 15B stealth destroyer series. It offers significant improvements in design and combat ability compared to the earlier Kolkata-class destroyers. Both the Nilgiri and Surat have modern navigation, communication, and combat systems, many of which were developed in India or through strategic partnerships.
• INS Vagsheer: The last submarine in the Scorpene-class (Project 75), known for being one of the quietest and most versatile diesel-electric submarines in the world. It can perform various missions, from anti-surface warfare to intelligence gathering, and has advanced weapons and sonar systems. It also features future-ready modular design for possible integration of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems.

Promoting Gender Inclusion

INS Nilgiri and INS Surat will also feature special accommodations for women officers and sailors, marking progress in the Navy’s effort to include women in frontline combat roles.

Impact on India’s Defense Industry

The commissioning of these advanced platforms shows India’s significant progress in defense manufacturing and self-reliance. The successful trials and operational readiness of Nilgiri, Surat, and Vagsheer demonstrate the country’s growing ability to develop world-class defense technologies, strengthening its maritime force.

This historic event is a source of great pride for the Indian Navy and the entire nation, showcasing India’s commitment to enhancing its maritime capabilities and building a self-sufficient defense sector.