NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy has achieved a major milestone in self-reliance with the delivery of two advanced warships: the destroyer Surat (Yard 12707) and the frigate Nilgiri (Yard 12651). These ships, designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), showcase India’s growing expertise in defense manufacturing.
#MDL created history today with the delivery of two Capital Warships to the #IndianNavy. The acceptance documents (D448) for the first stealth Frigate of the P17A class, Nilgiri, and the fourth guided missile Destroyer of the P15B class, Surat, were signed by Shri Sanjeev… pic.twitter.com/sMD8AkNmxQ
— Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (@MazagonDockLtd) December 20, 2024
The Surat is the fourth and final ship under Project 15B, following Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, and Imphal. It weighs 7,400 tons and measures 164 meters long. This guided missile destroyer has advanced weapons like surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes. It uses a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) propulsion system with four gas turbines, allowing speeds over 30 knots (56 km/h). It is also the Indian Navy’s first ship with Artificial Intelligence (AI) features to boost efficiency. Built quickly, Surat had its keel laid on November 7, 2019, launched on May 17, 2022, and delivered in 31 months, making it the fastest-built indigenous destroyer.
The Nilgiri is the first of seven frigates under Project 17A, designed to replace the Shivalik-class frigates. These frigates can handle multi-mission roles in blue-water operations and counter various threats. The Nilgiri uses a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system with a diesel engine and a gas turbine. It is armed with supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, a 76 mm gun, and rapid-fire close-in weapon systems. Built using an Integrated Construction method to speed up production, its keel was laid on December 28, 2017, and it was launched on September 28, 2019.
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After sea trials starting in August 2024, the Nilgiri has been delivered to the Indian Navy. Together, Surat and Nilgiri mark a major achievement in India’s shipbuilding efforts. They show the nation’s advanced defense capabilities and commitment to self-reliance while strengthening the Navy’s readiness.
Both ships are 75% indigenized, with contributions from over 200 Indian firms, including Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), and Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
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Additionally, six more Project 17A frigates are under construction at MDL, Mumbai, and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, with delivery expected by 2026 to further enhance the Indian Navy’s capabilities. The induction of Surat and Nilgiri represents a significant step in India’s defense journey, highlighting the Navy’s focus on operational readiness and the nation’s commitment to self-reliance.
