India Strengthens Navy with INS Surat, Nilgiri, and Vaghsheer: Key Facts to Know

India’s Navy is set for a major enhancement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will commission three advanced ships—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—on Wednesday at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. These ships were built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).

A Milestone for Self-Reliance

This commissioning marks India’s progress in defense self-reliance. The government emphasized that the ships also support gender inclusion, with accommodations for women officers and sailors.

INS Surat: A Stealthy Destroyer

INS Surat is a guided-missile destroyer and part of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class. The ship has a displacement of 7,400 tons and measures 164 meters in length. It features advanced weapons, including surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes.

Powered by four gas turbines, INS Surat can reach speeds over 30 knots. It is India’s first AI-enabled warship, improving operational efficiency. The ship was built in just 31 months, making it the fastest indigenous destroyer ever.

INS Nilgiri: A Modern Frigate

INS Nilgiri is the first P17A stealth frigate. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, it weighs around 6,670 tons. Its weapon systems include BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, vertical launch systems, and an AK-630 close-in weapon system.

The ship is capable of independent operation and is well-suited for blue-water missions. It also features advanced radar and supports both day and night operations, including with helicopters like the MH-60R Seahawks.

INS Vaghsheer: A Silent Submarine

INS Vaghsheer is a diesel-electric submarine, part of the Kalvari-class Project 75. It is one of the quietest submarines globally. The submarine carries out anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and special operations.

INS Vaghsheer is equipped with advanced sonar systems and wire-guided torpedoes. It is also built for future upgrades, including Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, enhancing its stealth capabilities.

Experts Praise the Development

Experts view this as a significant leap forward for India’s maritime defense. The simultaneous commissioning of two warships and a submarine is a first for India. This event reflects India’s growing prowess in indigenous shipbuilding, especially at MDL.

According to Financial Express, this development highlights India’s increasing maritime influence. With rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, the new ships will help safeguard India’s interests and contribute to regional stability.

A Transformative Moment

The commissioning of INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vaghsheer is a defining moment for the Indian Navy. These ships mark decades of investment, innovation, and determination. They represent India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing and its “Make in India” initiative. This milestone positions India as a leader in global maritime affairs.