INS Nilgiri, INS Surat and INS Vagsheer Set for Commissioning

03/01/2025

On January 15, 2025, India will mark a landmark moment in its defense history with the commissioning of three frontline naval platforms:

- INS Vagsheer, the 6^th and last submarine of the Scorpene-class under Project 75;
- INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigates; and
- INS Surat, the 4^th and final ship of the Project 15B stealth destroyers.

This significant event highlights India’s increasing self-reliance in defense manufacturing and its efforts to strengthen maritime capabilities.

What is INS Vagsheer?

INS Vagsheer is the 6^th and final submarine under Project 75, marking the end of India’s Scorpene-class submarine program.
Named after a deep-sea predator, Vagsheer represents one of the most silent and versatile diesel-electric submarines globally.
Built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, under a $3.75 billion technology transfer deal with France’s Naval Group.

Key Capabilities

Stealth and Combat: Designed for a variety of missions, including: anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering and area surveillance, and special operations.

- Equipped with wire-guided torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, enhancing its strike capabilities.

Sensors and Systems: Features advanced sonar systems for superior detection and tracking of enemy vessels.

- Equipped with modular construction, enabling easier integration of future technological upgrades.

Specifications:

- Dimensions: Length: ~220 feet and Height: ~40 feet.
- Speed: Has speed of around 11 knots (~20 km/h) when surfaced and 20 knots (~37 km/h) when submerged.
- Endurance: Operates independently without refuelling for around 50 days.
- Propulsion: Diesel-electric propulsion system:
  - - Diesel engines for surface operation.
    - Electric motors for underwater operation.

Technological Advancements: Future retrofitting of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems will enhance underwater endurance by reducing the need to surface for oxygen.
- This also improves stealth, a critical factor for submarine operations in adversary territories.
Operational Versatility: Vagsheer is adept at carrying out a wide range of naval missions, from direct engagement in combat to intelligence and surveillance roles.
- Modular design allows quick upgrades and advanced system integration, ensuring long-term relevance.
Construction and Trials: Built in rigorous standards to ensure silent operations and combat readiness.
- Underwent comprehensive trials, including machinery, hull integrity, fire-fighting systems, damage control, and navigation systems.
Strategic Significance: INS Vagsheer enhances the Indian Navy’s underwater warfare capabilities significantly.
- Contributes to addressing India’s submarine shortage and reinforces maritime security, particularly in critical regions like the Indian Ocean.
- Addresses submarine shortages and strengthens maritime security in critical areas like the Indian Ocean.

What is Project 75?

Feature	Details
Origin	Project 75 involves the construction of six Scorpene-class diesel-electric attack submarines for the Indian Navy.
Construction	All six submarines are being built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, in collaboration with France’s Naval Group.
Timeline of Commissioning	INS Kalvari (2017), INS Khanderi (2019), INS Karanj (2021), INS Vela (2021), INS Vagir (2023) and INS Vagsheer (2025)
Design	Based on the Scorpene-class design, renowned for stealth and operational versatility. Diesel-electric propulsion systems ensure silent operations, crucial for stealth missions. Incorporates advanced acoustic silencing techniques, low radiated noise levels, modular construction and the ability to launch precision-guided weapons. Plans are underway to retrofit all Scorpene-class submarines with AIP systems
Armament	Torpedoes: Can launch various types of torpedoes for anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare. Missiles: Anti-ship missiles for surface target engagement. Mines: Can deploy naval mines for area denial operations. Advanced sonar and sensor suites for superior enemy detection and tracking.
Operational Roles	Designed for a variety of missions, including: anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, area surveillance, special operations, and mine laying.
Future Developments	In July 2023, the Defence Acquisition Council approved the procurement of three additional Scorpene-class submarines under the Buy (Indian) category.

What is Warship Surat (Destroyer)?

Surat is the 4^th ship (after Visakhapatnam, Mormugao and Imphal) and the last ship under Project 15B.
It is a highly capable stealth guided missile destroyer designed for various maritime warfare missions.
It is a potent and versatile platform equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles and torpedoes.
Features: It has displacement of 7,400 tons and an overall length of 164 meters.
Armed with: BrahMos supersonic surface-to-surface missiles and Barak-8 medium-range surface-to-air missiles.
Powered by a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) propulsion set, comprising four gas turbines, and achieve speeds in excess of 30 knots (56 km/h).
It is Indian Navy’s 1^st Al enabled warship utilizing indigenously developed Al solutions which would enhance its operational efficiency manifolds.

What is Project 15?

Feature	Details
Origin	*Project 15A (Kolkata-class, 2014-2016)* and *Project 15B (Visakhapatnam-class, 2021-2024)* guided-missile destroyers are based on the *25-year-old Delhi* class (Project 15, 1997-2001)** destroyers.
Construction	Three destroyers were built under Project 15A, and four were constructed under Project 15B at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai.
Design	The designs of P-15A and P-15B are largely similar, with minor differences, including stealth improvements, updated helicopter handling systems, and alternative navigation radars.
Armament	16 Brahmos ram-jet powered antiship/land-attack cruise missiles. 32 Israeli-Indian Barak-8 medium-range surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). 2 twin 21-inch antisubmarine torpedo tubes. 2 12-round RBU-6000 antisubmarine warfare rocket launchers. Three-inch gun and 2 AK-630 30-mm close-in weapon systems.
Helicopter Accommodation	Twin hangars can house Sea King Mk 42 or U.S. MH-60R Seahawk antisubmarine helicopters.

What is Warship Nilgiri?

Nilgiri is the first-of-class (FOC) ship under Project 17A. It is a follow-on of the Shivalik class (Project 17) frigates active in service. Nilgiri is 1^st among the seven P17A frigates under construction.
It incorporates cutting-edge technology, making it one of the most advanced ships in its class globally.
Capable of dealing with both conventional and non-conventional threats in the area of India’s Maritime Interests.
Designed for improved survivability, seaworthiness, stealth, and mobility. Its stealth technology includes a uniquely shaped hull and radar-transparent deck fittings, reducing detectability.
Built using ‘Integrated Construction’ philosophy, which involves extensive pre-outfitting at the Block stages to reduce the overall build periods.
Powered by two Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) main propulsion plants, each comprising a Diesel Engine and Gas Turbine, driving a Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP).
It has state- of-the-art Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).
- IPMS technology provides an advanced automation solution and integrates platform, propulsion, electrical, auxiliary and damage control systems into one integrated solution.
The ship is fitted with supersonic surface-to-surface missile system, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles system, 76 mm Upgraded Gun, and a combination of rapid-fire close-in weapon systems.

What is Project 17A?

Feature	Details
Origin	Project 17A (P-17A) was launched by Indian Navy in 2019 to construct a series of stealth guided-missile frigates. They are the upgraded version of the Shivalik-class (Project 17) frigates currently in service.
Construction	These frigates are being constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE).
Stealth Features	Includes radar-absorbent coatings and low observability for enhanced stealth. Technology to minimize infrared emissions, making them harder to detect by adversaries.
Key Milestones	The 1^st frigate, Nilgiri, was launched in 2019 and is now inducted. The 2^nd frigate, Udaygiri, was launched in 2022 and is expected to be commissioned in 2024.
Current Status	Seven P-17A frigates are in different stages of construction at MDL and GRSE.
Indigenous Contribution	Around 75% of project orders have been placed with Indian companies, including MSMEs, reinforcing the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative.

What is the Difference Between Frigates and Destroyers?

Aspect	Frigates	Destroyers
Role	Primarily used for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and escort missions.	Designed for multi-role operations, including anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare.
Size and Displacement	Smaller in size with a lower displacement, typically between 2,000 to 4,000 tons.	Larger ships with higher displacement, generally between 5,000 to 10,000 tons.
Speed	Slightly slower due to smaller engines, usually 25–30 knots.	Faster with speeds exceeding 30 knots.
Armament	Equipped with fewer weapons, focusing on torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets, and surface-to-air missiles.	Heavily armed with long-range missiles, advanced radars, and guns for versatile combat roles.
Cost	Less expensive due to smaller size and lighter weaponry.	Significantly more expensive owing to size, advanced systems, and heavy weaponry.
Operational Scope	Best suited for regional defense and convoy protection.	Designed for blue-water navy operations and offensive missions in distant regions.

Conclusion

India’s naval modernization efforts, boosted by the commissioning of these three frontline platforms, reflect the nation’s ambition to become a global defense leader. The advancements in warship design, technology integration, and inclusivity demonstrate remarkable progress. With state-of-the-art capabilities and a focus on self-reliance, India is charting a strong and sustainable path to strengthen its maritime security and defense ecosystem.