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Context:

15 January 2025 is set to become a landmark day in India’s history as the Indian Navy prepares to commission three frontline combatants.

About the Ships

• Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A class of stealth frigates.
• Surat, the fourth and final ship of the Project 15B class of stealth destroyers.
• Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the Scorpene-class project - together at the Bombay Naval Shipyard.

Historical Significance

• It will enhance the combat potential of the Indian Navy and at the same time underline the country's leadership in indigenous shipbuilding.
• All three platforms were designed and constructed exclusively at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai, a testament to India's growing self-sufficiency in the critical area of ​​defense manufacturing.
• The successful commissioning of these advanced warships and submarines underscores the rapid progress made in the design and construction of warships and cements India's position as a world leader in defense manufacturing.

About Nilgiri

Read about Project 17 A: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/frigate-vindhyagiri

• Nilgiri, the flagship of Project 17A, is a significant advance over the Shivalik-class frigates, incorporating significant stealth features and reduced radar signatures through state-of-the-art technology.

About Surat

Read about Project 15B: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/imphal

• The Project 15B destroyer, Surat, is a successor class to the Calcutta (Project 15A) class destroyer, featuring substantial improvements in design and capability.
• Both ships were designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and are equipped with advanced sensors and weapon packages developed primarily in India or through strategic collaboration with leading global manufacturers.

Features

• Equipped with modern aviation facilities, Nilgiri and Surat can operate a range of helicopters, including the Chetak, ALH, Sea King, and the newly introduced MH-60R, during both day and night operations.
• Features such as the Trackless Helicopter Override System and the Visual Aid and Landing System ensure trouble-free operation in all conditions.
• The ships also include specific accommodations to support a significant number of officers and sailors, in line with the Navy's progressive moves towards gender mainstreaming in front-line combat roles.

About Vaghsheer

Read about Kalvari class: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/ins-vaghsheer

• It is the sixth Scorpene-class submarine under the Kalvari-class Project 75, is one of the quietest and most versatile diesel-electric submarines in the world.
• It is designed to perform a wide range of missions including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, area surveillance and special operations.
• Armed with wire torpedoes, anti-ship missiles and advanced sonar systems, the submarine also has a modular design that allows for future upgrades such as the integration of Air Independent Propulsion technology.

Source:

PIB