Navy to commission three new ships on same day

On 15 January 2025, India will rewrite its maritime history with an unprecedented milestone: commissioning three advanced combat platforms in a single day, an unprecedented event unparalleled in scale and significance.

- ASHISH SINGH

The Indian Navy is set to commission three stateof-the-art combat platforms Nilgiri, Surat, and Vagsheer-in one day, showcasing its growing maritime strength and technological self-reliance. This rare event reflects a transformative phase for India's naval forces, highlighting its commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests and asserting its strategic autonomy.

A LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENT

The simultaneous commissioning of three advanced platforms is a testament to India's ability to design, develop, and construct complex warships and submarines indigenously. Each platform represents a pinnacle of naval engineering, setting new benchmarks with its cutting-edge stealth technologies, advanced weapon systems, and operational versatility.

INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigates, features cuttingedge stealth capabilities, enhanced survivability, and advanced sensors.

INS Surat, the final ship of the Project 15B stealth destroyers, incorporates upgraded weapon systems, improved air defence, and integrated communication platforms.

INS Vagsheer, the last submarine of the Scorpene class under Project 75, is equipped with advanced sonar, torpedoes, and anti-ship missiles, with future upgrades like Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology.

These platforms collectively boost Indian Navy's operational readiness, particularly in the strategically sensitive Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and beyond.

JOURNEY FROM MODESTY TO MASTERY

India's indigenous warshipbuilding journey began modestly with the construction of INS Ajay in 1961 by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).