Indian Navy’s Tri-Commissioning Event

Indian Navy’s Tri-Commissioning Event (January 15, 2025)

Overview

• Indian Navy inducted three frontline combatants:
  1. INS Nilgiri: Lead ship of the Project 17A class frigates.
  2. INS Surat: Fourth and final ship of the Project 15B class destroyers.
  3. INS Vagsheer: Sixth and final submarine of the Scorpene-class Project 75.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the commissioning ceremony at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, marking the first-ever tri-commissioning of a destroyer, frigate, and submarine.
• Over the last decade, 33 ships and 7 submarines were added to the Navy, with 39 out of 40 vessels built in Indian shipyards.

Key Features of the Ceremony

• The vessels were constructed entirely at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
• Extensive trials included:
  • Machinery and hull tests.
  • Fire-fighting and damage control assessments.
  • Verification of navigation and communication systems.
• Delivery Timeline:
  • INS Nilgiri and INS Surat: Delivered on December 20, 2024.
  • INS Vagsheer: Delivered on January 9, 2025.

INS Nilgiri: Project 17A Frigate

• A major upgrade over the Shivalik-class frigates with:
  • Improved stealth features: Sloped superstructure, flush deck, infrared suppression system, and acoustic quietening.
  • Modular integrated construction methodology.
• Specifications:
  • Length: 149 meters; Displacement: 6,700 tons.
  • Propulsion: CODAG system with GE LM2500 gas turbines.
• Weapons and Sensors:
  • 76mm SRGM (OTO Melara Strales) with DART ammunition.
  • BrahMos cruise missiles, Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles, and L&T torpedo launchers.
  • Primary radar: MF-STAR by IAI, made by BEL.
• Future Orders:
  • Project 17A: Comprises 7 ships (split 4:3 between MDL and GRSE).
  • Project 17B: Planned for 8 ships at an estimated cost of $7.5 billion.

INS Surat: Project 15B Destroyer

• Final ship of the Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, with:
  • Indigenous content of 75%.
  • Advanced network-centric capabilities.
• Specifications:
  • Length: 163 meters; Width: 17 meters; Displacement: 7,400 tons.
  • Speed: Maximum of 30 knots.
• Weapons and Sensors:
  • BrahMos cruise missiles, Barak-8 missiles, and AK-630M CIWS.
  • Radar: MF-STAR.
• Future Developments:
  • No destroyers under construction.
  • Planning for Next Generation Destroyers (Project 18).

INS Vagsheer: Scorpene-Class Submarine

• Part of Project 75 and among the most silent diesel-electric submarines globally.
• Roles:
  • Anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare.
  • Intelligence gathering and special operations.
• Weapons and Features:
  • Wire-guided torpedoes, Exocet anti-ship missiles, and advanced sonar systems.
  • Modular construction allows for future upgrades, including Air Independent Propulsion (AIP).
• Future Projects:
  • Plans for Project 75I and Project 76.
  • Contract signed to equip lead submarine INS Kalvari with an AIP plug by DRDO and L&T.

Additional Facts and Definitions

• CODAG (Combined Diesel and Gas): A propulsion system combining diesel engines for cruising and gas turbines for higher speeds.
• Scorpene-Class Submarines: Known for their stealth and versatility; part of India’s effort to modernize its submarine fleet.
• MF-STAR Radar: A multifunction surveillance and threat alert radar developed by IAI, offering superior detection and tracking.
• BrahMos Missile: A supersonic cruise missile developed jointly by India and Russia, capable of precision strikes.
• AIP Technology: Enhances the endurance of conventional submarines by allowing them to remain submerged for longer periods without surfacing to recharge batteries.
• Barak-8 Missiles: Surface-to-air missiles designed to counter a variety of airborne threats.

This comprehensive induction marks a significant step in bolstering the Indian Navy’s combat readiness and indigenous defense capabilities.