New Delhi: In a major boost towards India’s Atmanirbhar initiative, the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has delivered the first stealth frigate of Project 17A class as well as the fourth stealth destroyer of Project 15B Class to the Indian Navy on Friday. While the stealth frigate will be named as INS Nilgiri, the missile destroyer will be known as INS Surat after being commissioned, the Centre said
Released the statement, the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau designed the warships, which were built by the MDL. Importantly, Nilgiri, the first-of-class (FoC) ship of Project 17A, comprises cutting-edge advanced technology. It is also compared with fine ships across the globe.
Notable features of INS Nilgiri
Among other notable features, it also includes design concepts from seakeeping, improved survivability, ship maneuverability, and stealth. The warship consists of an array of state-of-the-art weapons and sensors. The ship can tackle enemy warships, submarines, fighter aircraft, and anti-ship missiles.
On the other hand, INS Surat is the fourth ship of Project 15B. The ship has the potential to carry out several tasks and missions. Its important features include supersonic surface-to-surface Brahmos missiles and ‘Barak-8 medium-range surface-to-air missiles. Indigenously developed sensors and anti-submarine weapons have also been featured on the ship. Also, its other notable features include its potential to tackle enemy’s anti-ship missiles, anti-ship missiles fighter aircraft and submarines.
INS Surat delivered to the Indian Navy in 21 months
“Surat’s keel was laid on 07 Nov 19 and was launched on 17 May 22. The ship has been delivered to the Indian Navy in 31 months from launch to delivery, making her the fastest indigenous destroyer ever built. The ship had commenced her Contractor Sea Trials on 15 Jun 24 and completed her Final Machinery Trials on 25 Nov 24, within an unprecedented record time of just six months,” the statement added. Both warships are fitted with major weapons and sensors that have been brought from Indian companies like BAPL, L&T, MTPF,BEL, BHEL, Mahindra. Among others.
