The Indian Navy’s combat capabilities are set to get a major boost on Wednesday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate three state-of-the-art naval combatants—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—to the nation during a grand commissioning event at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on 15 January.
The commissioning of these advanced warships represents a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of becoming a global leader in defence manufacturing and maritime security. A statement issued on Tuesady described the event as a major leap forward in achieving self-reliance in defence production and enhancing the Navy’s operational capabilities.
Each of the three vessels has been designed to meet the diverse operational requirements of the Indian Navy, incorporating cutting-edge technology and advanced features:
INS Surat
INS Surat
- Fourth and Final Ship of the P15B Project: INS Surat is the culmination of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project and ranks among the largest and most sophisticated destroyers in the world.
- Indigenous Excellence: With an impressive indigenous content of 75%, it showcases India’s growing expertise in advanced warship construction.
- State-of-the-Art Systems: Equipped with advanced weapon-sensor packages and network-centric capabilities, INS Surat is designed for high-end combat operations.
INS Nilgiri
- Pioneer of the P17A Stealth Frigate Project: INS Nilgiri is the first ship of this next-generation project, reflecting a focus on stealth, survivability, and seakeeping.
- Designed by Indian Experts: The Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy crafted this vessel to meet modern naval challenges.
- Enhanced Capabilities: Its advanced features underline India’s growing prowess in designing indigenous stealth frigates.
INS Vaghsheer
- Sixth and Final Submarine of the P75 Project: INS Vaghsheer represents the culmination of the Scorpene-class submarine program.
- Collaborative Expertise: Built in collaboration with the Naval Group of France, it underscores India’s evolving expertise in submarine construction.
- Strategic Asset: INS Vaghsheer enhances the Navy’s undersea warfare capabilities and is a key asset in India’s maritime security framework.
Prime Minister Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight the importance of the commissioning event, describing it as a landmark moment for India’s defence sector. “The commissioning of three frontline naval combatants will strengthen our efforts toward being a global leader in defence and augment our quest for self-reliance,” he posted.
Tomorrow, 15th January, is going to be a special day as far as our naval capacities are concerned. The commissioning of three frontline naval combatants will strengthen our efforts towards being a global leader in defence and augment our quest towards self-reliance. https://t.co/zhrVjbgA2T
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 14, 2025
The ceremony in Mumbai will celebrate India’s advances in defence technology and reaffirm the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests. With these warships joining the fleet, the Indian Navy is poised to bolster its operational readiness and extend its strategic reach in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
Team BharatShakti
