MDL Delivers Advanced Warships to Indian Navy
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE), has made a significant contribution to India’s naval capabilities. On December 20, 2024, MDL delivered two advanced warships to the Indian Navy: the first stealth frigate of Project 17A, named Nilgiri, and the fourth stealth destroyer of Project 15B, named Surat. Both vessels were designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed at MDL under the supervision of the Warship Overseeing Team in Mumbai. This delivery marks a milestone in India’s efforts to enhance its maritime defense and showcases the country’s growing self-reliance in warship design and construction.
Nilgiri: A Stealthy Addition to the Fleet
The Nilgiri is the first ship of the Project 17A class and represents a leap forward in naval technology. This frigate is designed with advanced features that enhance its survivability, stealth, and maneuverability. The hull’s unique shape and the use of radar-transparent materials make it difficult for enemy forces to detect. These stealth capabilities are crucial for modern naval warfare, allowing the ship to operate effectively in hostile environments.
Equipped with a comprehensive suite of weapons and sensors, Nilgiri can engage a variety of threats. It has the capability to counter enemy submarines, surface ships, anti-ship missiles, and fighter aircraft. The ship is armed with close-in defense guns and is designed for effective naval gunfire support. Notably, Nilgiri can operate independently without the need for supporting vessels, making it a versatile asset for the Indian Navy. Furthermore, it can serve as the flagship of a naval task force, showcasing its leadership potential in maritime operations.
Nilgiri’s construction reflects India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing. With significant indigenous content, the ship embodies the ‘Make in India’ initiative, promoting local industries and expertise in warship design and construction. This project not only strengthens the Indian Navy but also contributes to the country’s broader goals of economic independence and technological advancement.
Surat: A Versatile Destroyer
The Surat, the fourth ship of Project 15B, is a formidable platform designed for a wide range of maritime missions. This destroyer is equipped with advanced weaponry, including supersonic BrahMos missiles and Barak-8 medium-range surface-to-air missiles. These capabilities allow Surat to engage multiple threats across the maritime spectrum, enhancing its operational flexibility.
In addition to its offensive capabilities, Surat is outfitted for undersea warfare. It features indigenously developed anti-submarine weapons and sensors, such as the hull-mounted sonar Humsa NG, heavyweight torpedo tube launchers, and anti-submarine rocket launchers. This comprehensive suite of tools enables Surat to effectively counter underwater threats, making it a vital asset for the Indian Navy.
Surat’s delivery ahead of schedule underscores MDL’s commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. With an indigenous content of 72%, this destroyer surpasses its predecessors in terms of local manufacturing, aligning with the Government of India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. This focus on self-reliance not only strengthens the navy but also fosters a robust ecosystem of sub-vendors and suppliers in the defense sector.
MDL’s history of building advanced warships and submarines positions it as a leader in India’s defense manufacturing landscape. The successful delivery of Nilgiri and Surat highlights the progress made in indigenous shipbuilding and the nation’s commitment to enhancing its maritime capabilities.
