INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer commissioned: Three cheers for Indian Navy

In a momentous event for the Indian Navy and the nation’s maritime security, three advanced warships – INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer – were commissioned into service on January 15, 2025. This landmark occasion, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marks the first time that a destroyer, a frigate, and a submarine have been commissioned simultaneously, signifying a giant leap in India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and its commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests.

A Testament to Self-Reliance

The commissioning of these formidable vessels is a powerful testament to India’s growing self-reliance in defense production. All three warships have been designed and built in India, showcasing the expertise and capabilities of Indian shipyards and engineers. This achievement aligns with the government’s “Make in India” initiative and strengthens the nation’s position as a key player in the global defense arena.

INS Surat: A Potent Destroyer

INS Surat is the fourth and final ship of the Project 15B class of guided missile destroyers. These destroyers are the most advanced surface combatants built in India and are packed with cutting-edge technology. INS Surat is equipped with advanced weapons systems, sensors, and stealth features, making it a formidable force in naval operations. Its key features include:

• Advanced weaponry: The ship is armed with BrahMos supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles, Barak-8 long-range surface-to-air missiles, and a 76mm main gun.
• State-of-the-art sensors: INS Surat boasts advanced radar systems, sonars, and electronic warfare systems for enhanced situational awareness.
• Stealth technology: The ship’s design incorporates stealth features to reduce its radar signature, making it harder to detect.

INS Nilgiri: A Stealthy Frigate

INS Nilgiri is the lead ship of the Project 17A class of stealth frigates. These frigates are designed to be less visible to enemy radar, making them ideal for a variety of missions. INS Nilgiri is equipped with advanced weapons and sensors, including:

• Anti-ship and anti-air missiles: The ship is armed with BrahMos missiles for attacking enemy ships and Barak-8 missiles for defense against aerial threats.
• Advanced radar and sonar systems: INS Nilgiri is equipped with state-of-the-art radar and sonar systems for detecting and tracking enemy vessels and submarines.
• Stealth features: The ship’s design incorporates stealth technology to minimize its radar signature.

INS Vaghsheer: A Silent Hunter

INS Vaghsheer is the sixth and final submarine of the Scorpene-class project. These submarines are known for their stealth and ability to operate in both shallow and deep waters. INS Vaghsheer is a diesel-electric attack submarine that can carry out a variety of missions, including:

• Anti-ship warfare: The submarine can launch torpedoes and missiles to attack enemy ships.
• Anti-submarine warfare: INS Vaghsheer can hunt and destroy enemy submarines.
• Intelligence gathering: The submarine can be used to gather intelligence on enemy activities.

Strengthening India’s Maritime Security

The commissioning of these three warships significantly boosts India’s maritime capabilities and strengthens its ability to protect its vast coastline and maritime interests. These vessels will play a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region and beyond.

A Moment of National Pride

The commissioning ceremony was a moment of national pride, with Prime Minister Modi highlighting the importance of a strong navy in safeguarding the nation’s interests. He emphasized the government’s commitment to modernizing the Indian Navy and making it a world-class force.

The addition of INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer to the Indian Navy’s fleet is a significant milestone in the nation’s journey towards self-reliance in defense and its commitment to maritime security. These advanced warships will serve as a powerful deterrent and play a vital role in protecting India’s interests in the years to come.