Indian Navy set for historic milestone as three combat platforms will join fleet on January 15

In what has been billed as a "historic milestone" by the Indian Navy, three combat platforms will be commissioned into the force on January 15.

"15 January 2025 is set to become a landmark day in India’s history as the Indian Navy prepares to commission three state-of-the-art combatants in a grand ceremony at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai,” the Navy said in a tweet.

These frontline combatant are: Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class; Surat, the fourth and final ship of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class; and Vagsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the Scorpene-class project.

According to the defence ministry, commissioning of these combatants will provide a significant boost to the Indian Navy’s combat potential while underscoring the country’s pre-eminent status in indigenous shipbuilding.

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Nilgiri, the lead ship of Project 17A, is a major advancement over the Shivalik-class frigates, incorporating significant stealth features and reduced radar signatures.

The Project 15B destroyer, Surat, is the culmination of the follow-on class to the Kolkata-class (Project 15A) destroyers, featuring substantial improvements in design and capabilities, the defence ministry said in a release.

Both these ships, designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, are equipped with advanced sensors and weapon packages developed primarily in India or through strategic collaborations with leading global manufacturers.

Nilgiri and Surat can operate a range of helicopters, including Chetak, ALH, Sea King, and the newly inducted MH-60R, during both day and night operations as they are equipped with modern aviation facilities.

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Features such as a Rail-Less Helicopter Traversing System and a Visual Aid and Landing System ensure seamless operations under all conditions.

The two ships also include specific accommodations to support a number of officers and sailors, including women officers.

What makes Vagsheer deadly?

Vagsheer, the sixth Scorpene-class submarine under the Kalvari-class Project 75, is one of the most silent and versatile diesel-electric submarines in the world. Designed to undertake a wide range of missions, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, area surveillance, and special operations, the submarine is armed with armed with wire-guided torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and advanced sonar systems. It also features modular construction, allowing for future upgrades such as the integration of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology.

"The combined commissioning of Nilgiri, Surat, and Vagsheer demonstrates India’s unparalleled progress in defense self-reliance and indigenous shipbuilding," the defence ministry said in a release.

The ministry said the commissioning of these three platforms is a proud moment for the Indian Navy and the nation as a whole.