Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) has achieved a significant milestone by delivering two cutting-edge warships to the Indian Navy: the stealth frigate Nilgiri (Project 17A) and the guided missile destroyer Surat (Project 15B). Designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed under the oversight of the Warship Overseeing Team in Mumbai, these state-of-the-art vessels mark a major advancement in the Navy’s combat readiness and operational prowess. Their induction underscores India’s growing capabilities in indigenous warship production and maritime defence.

The Surat (Yard 12707) represents the fourth and final vessel of the Visakhapatnam-class stealth-guided missile destroyers under Project 15B. Preceded by Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, and Imphal, this warship signifies the culmination of the Indian Navy’s indigenous destroyer-building journey, which began with the Delhi-class destroyers in the late 1990s.

With a displacement of 7,400 tons and a length of 164 meters, the Surat is equipped with an array of advanced weapons and sensors, including surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and rapid-fire systems. It is powered by a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) propulsion system comprising four gas turbines, enabling it to achieve speeds exceeding 30 knots (56 km/h). Notably, the Surat is the first Indian Navy warship to integrate AI-based solutions, enhancing its operational efficiency and marking a significant technological milestone.

Key construction milestones include keel laying on November 7, 2019, and launching on May 17, 2022. Delivered within a record-breaking 31 months, the Surat holds the distinction of being the fastest indigenous destroyer ever built, as confirmed by the Indian Navy. This achievement highlights India’s growing expertise in shipbuilding and defence technology.

The Nilgiri (Yard 12651) is the inaugural vessel of the seven planned stealth frigates under Project 17A, serving as a successor to the Shivalik-class frigates. Designed for operations in blue water environments, the Nilgiri is built to counter both conventional and non-conventional threats to India’s maritime interests. It adopts an “Integrated Construction” philosophy, significantly reducing build time and enhancing production efficiency.

The frigate is powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system and incorporates a state-of-the-art Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) to optimise operational capabilities. Its advanced arsenal includes supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles and close-in weapon systems, ensuring robust offensive and defensive capabilities.

Construction milestones for the Nilgiri include keel laying on December 28, 2017 and launching on September 28, 2019. After completing rigorous harbour and sea trials, which commenced in August 2024, the ship is now prepared for operational deployment. This marks a significant step in strengthening India’s maritime defense infrastructure.

The commissioning of Surat and Nilgiri stands as a powerful testament to India’s growing self-reliance in warship design and construction, with over 75% indigenous content. The involvement of over 200 MSMEs and major defence firms like BHEL, BEL, L&T and Mahindra highlights the nation’s robust industrial and technological capabilities.

Projects 17A and 15B have not only advanced India’s maritime defence but also contributed significantly to employment, economic growth, and the overall defence manufacturing ecosystem. The construction of the remaining six Project 17A frigates, underway at MDL in Mumbai and GRSE in Kolkata, is expected to further bolster India’s naval strength, with deliveries slated for 2025 and 2026.

The induction of Surat and Nilgiri marks a pivotal moment for the Indian Navy, enhancing maritime strength and reinforcing the nation’s commitment to achieving ‘Atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in defence. This achievement showcases India’s determination to emerge as a global leader in indigenous defence manufacturing.