In a landmark achievement showcasing India’s strides toward self-reliance in defense, the Indian Navy received two cutting-edge warships, INS Surat and INS Nilgiri, on Thursday. Designed and built indigenously, the ships mark a significant leap in the Navy’s operational capabilities and reaffirm the nation’s commitment to “Aatmanirbharta” (self-reliance).
The destroyer INS Surat (Yard 12707) and the frigate INS Nilgiri (Yard 12651) were developed by the Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai. The simultaneous induction of these advanced platforms emphasises the Navy’s focus on strengthening its fleet through indigenous efforts.
INS Surat: A Stealth Destroyer of Project 15B
INS Surat is the fourth and final vessel of the Project 15B stealth guided-missile destroyers, following her predecessors INS Visakhapatnam, INS Mormugao, and INS Imphal, commissioned between 2021 and 2023. This 7,400-ton destroyer, measuring 164 meters in length, is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes.
Powered by a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) propulsion system, Surat can achieve speeds exceeding 30 knots (56 km/h). Notably, it is set to be the Indian Navy’s first warship incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, significantly enhancing its operational efficiency. Surat was delivered in a record 31 months, making it the fastest-built indigenous destroyer in the Navy’s history.
The Project 15 series, initiated with the Delhi-class destroyers in 1997, has evolved through subsequent iterations, including the Kolkata-class (2014–2016) and now the Visakhapatnam-class. The delivery of Surat completes this iconic project.
INS Nilgiri: A Stealth Frigate of Project 17A
INS Nilgiri, the first of seven Project 17A stealth frigates, is a follow-on to the Shivalik-class frigates. Designed for multi-mission roles, Nilgiri is equipped to counter both conventional and unconventional threats in India’s maritime domain.
Built using an Integrated Construction philosophy to reduce build times, Nilgiri features advanced technology, including Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion, Integrated Platform Management Systems (IPMS), and cutting-edge weaponry such as supersonic missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, and rapid-fire close-in weapon systems.
Launched in September 2019, Nilgiri commenced sea trials in August 2024 and underwent rigorous testing before delivery. The remaining six frigates in the class are under construction at MDL and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, with deliveries expected between 2025 and 2026.
Both Surat and Nilgiri boast an impressive 75% indigenous content, with key components sourced from Indian firms, including MSMEs. Over 200 indigenous enterprises contributed to each ship, supporting the growth of local industries and employment generation. Major suppliers include Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Mahindra, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and BrahMos Aerospace.
This achievement highlights India’s growing prowess in ship design and construction, reinforcing the Navy’s commitment to self-reliance while boosting the nation’s industrial ecosystem.
As the Navy prepares to induct these formidable warships into service, the delivery of INS Surat and INS Nilgiri marks a proud moment in India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in indigenous defense production.(pr)