New Delhi: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE), has achieved another milestone by delivering the first stealth frigate of the Project 17A class, ‘Nilgiri’, and the fourth stealth destroyer of the Project 15B class, ‘Surat’, to the Indian Navy on Friday. This accomplishment marks a significant step in India’s indigenous shipbuilding journey under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
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The acceptance document was signed by MDL’s Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) Sanjeev Singhal and MDL’s CSO (Tech) RAdm R Adhisrinivasan in the presence of MDL Directors, Capt Sandeep Shorey Commanding Officer (Design) Surat, Capt Nitin Kapoor Commanding Officer (Desig) Nilgiri, teams from Warship Design Bureau, Warship Overseeing Team (Mumbai) Project Team and Navy personnel.
Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by MDL, these vessels embody advanced technology, incorporating design principles for enhanced survivability, stealth, sea-keeping, and maneuverability.
‘Nilgiri’, the first ship of its class, boasts cutting-edge stealth features, achieved through radar-transparent deck fittings and a specially shaped hull. Equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, it can counter threats from submarines, warships, missiles, and fighter aircraft. With the capability to operate independently or as the flagship of a naval task force, ‘Nilgiri’ exemplifies India’s self-reliance in warship design and construction.
‘Surat’, the fourth destroyer of the Project 15B class, represents a versatile platform for maritime warfare. Armed with supersonic BrahMos missiles, Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles, and advanced anti-submarine weaponry such as heavy-weight torpedo tubes and ASW rocket launchers, it can tackle a broad spectrum of naval threats. The ship features an impressive 72 percent Indigenous content, underscoring MDL’s commitment to the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Both vessels were delivered ahead of their contractual timelines, reinforcing MDL’s dedication to efficiency and quality.
With a storied history in constructing India’s warships and submarines, MDL has been pivotal in developing the nation’s maritime defense capabilities. Its portfolio includes a wide array of vessels, from frigates and destroyers to advanced submarines like the Scorpene class.
The delivery of these ships is a testament to MDL’s professionalism, expertise, and experience in constructing complex war platforms, significantly enhancing the might of the Indian Navy. Both ships are indigenously built, showcasing cutting-edge technology and a strong commitment to the Government of India’s “MakeinIndia” initiative.
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