NEW DELHI: India took a significant step in bolstering its naval capabilities on Wednesday with the induction of three indigenously built vessels—two warships and a submarine—into the Indian Navy’s fleet. This development underscores India’s growing prowess in military manufacturing and self-reliance.
The move comes as a strategic counter to China’s increasing presence in the Indian Ocean region and Pakistan’s naval expansion plans, which involve Chinese support to build a 50-vessel fleet.
“India is emerging as a major maritime power, and the commissioning of three frontline naval combatants strengthens our global leadership aspirations and our quest for self-reliance,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the commissioning ceremony of INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vagsheer.
“This marks a major step toward preparing the Navy for the challenges of the 21st century,” he added.
The induction of these vessels is particularly crucial given the traditionally slow pace of India’s domestic shipbuilding. With China’s rapid naval expansion—148 vessels added in the last decade compared to India’s 33—the need for a modernized fleet has become more urgent.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi highlighted the operational boost these vessels provide, stating they would significantly enhance the Navy’s ability to safeguard India’s maritime interests. He also revealed that 62 warships and a submarine are currently under construction.
Details of the Newly Inducted Vessels
INS Nilgiri: A Stealth Frigate
- Project 17A Leader: INS Nilgiri is the first of seven stealth frigates under Project 17A, an upgrade of the Shivalik-class vessels.
- Design and Features: Developed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, its stealth capabilities include innovative design elements like a concealed mooring deck for reduced radar visibility.
- Cost: Approximately ₹4,000 crore per vessel.
- Construction Sites: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai, and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, Kolkata.
- Commanding Officer: Captain Nitin Kapoor.
INS Surat: A Guided Missile Destroyer
- Class: Fourth and final vessel of the Visakhapatnam-class (Project 15B).
- Specifications: Weighing 8,000 tons, INS Surat integrates advanced subsystems from Russian, Israeli, and Ukrainian designs while being India’s first warship equipped with artificial intelligence.
- Cost: ₹8,950 crore.
- Weaponry:
- BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missiles: For surface-to-surface combat.
- Barak-8 Medium-Range Missiles: For surface-to-air defense.
- Additional mounted artillery systems.
- Predecessors: INS Visakhapatnam (commissioned in 2021), INS Mormugao (2022), and INS Imphal (2023).
INS Vagsheer: Scorpene-Class Submarine
- Role: Final addition to the six new-generation diesel-electric Scorpene-class submarines.
- Capabilities: Equipped for anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine deployment, and surveillance.
- Weapons: Torpedoes and anti-ship missiles capable of engaging air and sea targets.
- Cost: ₹3,942 crore per submarine.
