New Delhi: With the commissioning of INS Nilgiri, the first in the P17A stealth frigate project, India has greatly increased its naval capabilities. The Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau created this extremely sophisticated warship, which represents a major advancement in Indigenous warship building and demonstrates India’s increasing independence in defence production. This is the addition to India’s navy fleet with state-of-the-art constructed domestically.
The INS Nilgiri, the next generation of indigenous frigates, has several cutting-edge features intended to improve seakeeping, stealth and survivability. The ship has a strong offensive capability with an impressive arsenal, which includes eight BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. Its defensive capabilities are further improved by the incorporation of a vertical launch mechanism for surface-to-air missiles, which guarantees defence against aerial attacks. An additional line of defence against incoming projectiles is provided by the AK-630 close-in weapon system and 76mm cannon.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), the shipyard that built the INS Nilgiri, claims that the destroyer is comparable to the finest in its class worldwide. Because of its versatility, it can successfully counter threats from fighter planes, surface warships, submarines and anti-ship missiles. In addition to being prepared to act as the flagship for naval task forces, showcasing its command and control skills, the ship is built for autonomous operation, doing away with the need for auxiliary vessels.
“Nilgiri is enabled to operate independently without supporting vessels, and also to function as the flagship of Naval task force,” MDL said in a release.
The induction of INS Nilgiri is poised to significantly enhance India’s operational readiness, bolstering its ability to safeguard its maritime zones. The commissioning ceremony is not merely a technological achievement but also a symbolic representation of India’s growing ambition to become a major player in the global maritime arena.
