PM Modi Unveils 3 Naval Giants: INS Surat, Nilgiri, Vaghsheer Mark Historic Leap for India’s Naval Power

Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu): On January 15, 2025 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three significant naval vessels at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai: INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer. This historic occasion marks the first time the Indian Navy has inducted two warships and a submarine simultaneously, reinforcing India’s maritime power and its growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

INS Surat, the fourth vessel of the Project 15B guided missile destroyer class, boasts advanced design enhancements and automation compared to its predecessor the Kolkata-class destroyers. Equipped with cutting-edge weaponry and surveillance systems it is designed to operate both independently and as part of a naval task force. INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class, incorporates state-of-the-art stealth technology that minimizes its radar visibility. It is versatile, capable of performing a wide range of missions and able to operate various helicopter types, including the newly introduced MH-60R.

INS Vaghsheer, the sixth submarine in the Scorpene-class Project 75 is a diesel-electric vessel designed for a variety of operations, including anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering and special operations. Its modular design allows for future upgrades, including the addition of air-independent propulsion technology. The commissioning of these vessels not only boosts India’s naval capabilities but also highlights the country's growing proficiency in indigenous shipbuilding. All three platforms have been designed and constructed entirely within India, underscoring the nation’s advancements in defense production.