India commissions 2 warships and 1 submarine: A historic milestone

In a remarkable leap towards self-reliance and military modernization, India made history on Wednesday by commissioning three indigenously built naval assets: the stealth frigate INS Nilgiri, the guided missile destroyer INS Surat, and the attack submarine INS Vaghsheer. This is the first time three major combat vessels, entirely developed in India, have been commissioned simultaneously, marking a significant stride in India’s defense capabilities.

This achievement signals a bold declaration of India’s commitment to military self-sufficiency, aligning with the government’s 'Make in India' initiative. It also serves as a strategic response to growing regional maritime challenges, particularly from China’s rapidly expanding navy and Pakistan’s plans for a 50-ship fleet with Chinese support.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the event, underscored the importance of this milestone, stating, "India is becoming a major maritime power. The commissioning of these frontline combatants strengthens our self-reliance and global leadership aspirations."

Key Highlights of the Navy's New Additions

1. INS Nilgiri

Flagship of Project 17A: The stealth-capable INS Nilgiri is the first in a new class of advanced frigates, set to include seven ships.

Next-Generation Stealth: Designed by the Navy's Warship Design Bureau, it incorporates cutting-edge features like a re-engineered top deck and concealed fittings to minimize radar visibility.

Cost: Approximately ₹4,000 crore per ship.

2. INS Surat

AI-Enabled Warship: INS Surat is the fourth and final vessel of the Project 15B Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, hailed as the Navy's most powerful surface combatants.

Armament: Equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles, and advanced mounted guns.

Cost: ₹8,950 crore per ship.

3. INS Vaghsheer

Hunter-Killer Submarine: The last of the Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarines, Vaghsheer boasts state-of-the-art stealth technology, air-independent propulsion, and the ability to launch torpedoes and anti-ship missiles.

Multi-Mission Capabilities: Ideal for anti-surface and anti-submarine operations, intelligence gathering, and area surveillance.

Cost: ₹3,942 crore per submarine.

Strategic Implications

The simultaneous induction of these vessels marks a turning point for the Indian Navy, which has historically faced delays in ship production. The construction timeline of INS Surat, completed in just 31 months, underscores the progress in domestic manufacturing capabilities.

In the past decade, India has inducted 33 warships compared to China’s staggering 148, highlighting the need for accelerated production. However, this milestone lays a robust foundation for future advancements, with 62 additional warships and a submarine currently under construction.

Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, "These additions will bolster our ability to safeguard India’s maritime interests and respond effectively to regional challenges."

India’s historic naval expansion, marked by the commissioning of these cutting-edge vessels, reinforces its quest for maritime dominance and self-reliance in defense manufacturing.