Red-letter day for the Navy, say the Captains of three frontline combatants

INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vaghsheer commissioned by PM Modi showcase India's naval prowess and self-reliance in defense.

“It is a red-letter day for the Navy, for the country, and for everyone. I can’t express my joy. I can’t tell you how proud I feel,” said Captain Nitin Kapoor, Commanding Officer of INS Nilgiri, one of the three frontline platforms commissioned in the Indian Navy and dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (January 15, 2024). The day is historic for many reasons. This is the first time three frontline naval combatants have been commissioned on the same day.

All the three vessels have been manufactured at Mumbai’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, a proof of India’s growing prowess in designing and building warships. The level of indigenisation on all the three platforms is more than 70%, showcasing a significant leap of the country as a global leader in defence manufacturing and maritime security, say defence officials.

“This tri-commissioning is key to showcase our growing aspirations, a testament to our effort to become a $5 trillion economy. The firepower of INS Nilgiri and its range of attack have increased. The deck rail system has been introduced for the first time in the country. Her heat signature has reduced considerably. The reflecting surfaces have come down. Due to the concealed deck, her stability has increased,” elaborated Captain Kapoor, explaining the features of the stealth frigate.

“We are the first of the class of P-17A. We have a unique and new design, a stealthier platform. This is for the future. It will showcase Indian shipbuilding to the world. We have new concepts such as the SRGM [Super Rapid Gunmount], we have a concealed deck. It is a very strategic platform for our country,” he added.

“57 years ago, the earlier Nilgiri was also made in India. That was at a point when the Indian Navy had shifted from a buyer’s navy to a builder’s navy. Coincidentally, the earlier ship was also manufactured by the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Private Limited. 57 years hence, we are seeing, our shipbuilding prowess has come of age. We are now designing ships on our own. The Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy has designed this ship. The construction is done indigenously. 75% and more indigenous components. We design, manufacture, sustain and run our ships by ourselves now. This is a milestone for atmanirbharta (self-reliance),” Captain Kapoor added.

In a long awaited move, this is the first time that structural changes have been made during the design and construction stage of the ship-building to accommodate women officers and sailors. Separate accommodation with attached bathrooms and a separate mess are available for women. Both INS Surat and INS Nilgiri have made these changes.

The development comes at a time when women officers are being inducted in frontline roles. The women sailors are mostly Agniveers. “It is a great feeling to rub shoulders with the best in the Navy. The experience has been extremely rewarding. To be here on this day, to serve with the finest officers of the Indian Navy, is an honour,” said Lt. Aastha Kamboj, Deputy Logistics Officer of INS Surat, who is a part of the commissioning crew.