In a significant milestone for India’s Aatmanirbharta initiative, two warships—a destroyer (Surat) and a frigate (Nilgiri)—were delivered to the Indian Navy on 20 December 2024. These vessels were indigenously designed by the Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), reflecting the Indian government and Navy’s commitment to self-reliance and nation-building. The simultaneous induction of these advanced warships will substantially enhance the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities and combat readiness.
Yard 12707 (Surat):
The fourth and final Project 15B stealth guided-missile destroyer, Surat, follows the induction of its predecessors—INS Visakhapatnam, INS Mormugao, and INS Imphal—commissioned over the past three years. Surat’s delivery marks the conclusion of the iconic indigenous destroyer-building project, which began with Project 15 (Delhi-class, 1997–2001), followed by Project 15A (Kolkata-class, 2014–2016), and Project 15B (Visakhapatnam-class, 2021–2024).
With a displacement of 7,400 tons and an overall length of 164 meters, Surat is a versatile platform equipped with cutting-edge weapons and sensors, including surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes. Powered by a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) propulsion system with four gas turbines, the ship achieved speeds exceeding 30 knots (56 km/h) during sea trials. It also incorporates indigenous artificial intelligence solutions, enhancing operational efficiency, making it the first AI-enabled warship of the Indian Navy.
Yard 12651 (Nilgiri):
The first Project 17A stealth frigate, Nilgiri, is a follow-on to the Shivalik-class (Project 17) frigates currently in service. It is the first of seven P17A frigates under construction at MDL, Mumbai, and GRSE, Kolkata. These multi-mission ships are designed for blue-water operations, capable of addressing both conventional and unconventional threats within India’s maritime domain.
Built using an “Integrated Construction” philosophy to reduce construction time, the frigates are powered by Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion systems, combining a diesel engine and gas turbine to drive a controllable pitch propeller (CPP). Nilgiri features state-of-the-art systems, including supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, upgraded 76mm guns, and rapid-fire close-in weapon systems.
Indigenous Prowess and Economic Impact:
Both vessels showcase India’s expertise in warship design, construction, and engineering, with approximately 75% indigenous content. Orders were placed with over 200 domestic firms, including MSMEs, boosting economic growth, employment, and the ancillary ecosystem. Major weapons and sensors have been sourced from Indian OEMs like BAPL, L&T, MTPF, BEL, BHEL, and Mahindra.
Key Milestones:
Surat’s keel was laid on 7 November 2019 and the ship launched on 17 May 2022. Delivered within 31 months of launch, it is the fastest indigenous destroyer ever built. Contractor sea trials began on 15 June 2024, and final machinery trials concluded on 25 November 2024.
Nilgiri’s keel was laid on 28 December 2017, and the ship launched on 28 September 2019. Sea trials commenced in August 2024, leading to its timely delivery.
The remaining six P17A frigates are in various construction stages at MDL and GRSE and are expected to be delivered by 2025 and 2026. These achievements underscore the Indian Navy’s steadfast focus on Aatmanirbharta, driving self-reliance in ship design and construction.
