MDL Delivers Advanced Warships ‘Surat’ and ‘Nilgiri’ to Indian Navy Ahead of Schedule

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has achieved a significant milestone by delivering two state-of-the-art warships, Surat and Nilgiri, to the Indian Navy ahead of schedule. This delivery includes the fourth stealth destroyer of Project 15B (Surat) and the first stealth frigate of Project 17A (Nilgiri), reaffirming India’s growing self-reliance in warship design and construction under the 'Make in India' initiative.

Cutting-Edge Technology and Indigenous Design

Both warships have been designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed at MDL under the supervision of the Warship Overseeing Team in Mumbai. These platforms showcase advanced stealth technology, enhanced survivability, and superior combat capabilities.

Nilgiri: The First of Project 17A Class Frigates

As the First of Class (FoC) ship of Project 17A, Nilgiri sets a new benchmark for India’s frigate capabilities. Designed indigenously, it incorporates advanced stealth features achieved through a specially shaped hull and radar-transparent deck fittings, making it difficult to detect.

Equipped with cutting-edge weapons and sensors, Nilgiri boasts all-around capability to counter submarines, surface warships, anti-ship missiles, and fighter aircraft. It is armed with sophisticated mounted guns for close-range defense and effective naval gunfire. This frigate is designed to operate independently, serve as the flagship of a naval task force, and excel in diverse maritime warfare roles.

With a significant indigenous content, Nilgiri represents a hallmark of India’s progress in warship design and construction, embodying the vision of self-reliance through the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.

Surat: A Stealth Destroyer Packed with Firepower

Surat, the fourth ship of the Project 15B class, is a formidable platform equipped with an array of potent weapons. It carries supersonic BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles, Barak-8 medium-range surface-to-air missiles, and indigenously developed anti-submarine warfare systems, including Hull-Mounted Sonar Humsa NG, heavyweight torpedo tube launchers, and ASW rocket launchers.

Surat demonstrates versatility far surpassing its predecessors, featuring an indigenous content of 72%, which is a marked improvement compared to the Project 15A (59%) and Project 15 (42%) destroyers. This high indigenous content underscores India’s capability to integrate local components, fostering the development of a robust defense ecosystem.

MDL: Pioneers in India’s Naval Shipbuilding

MDL has been at the forefront of India’s indigenous naval shipbuilding program, delivering numerous landmark vessels, including the Shivalik-class frigates, Kolkata-class destroyers, and Scorpene submarines. The shipbuilder’s history is closely intertwined with the evolution of India’s maritime defense capabilities, earning it the title of “Warship and Submarine Builders to the Nation.”

By completing Surat and Nilgiri ahead of schedule, MDL has once again demonstrated its commitment to excellence and its ability to exceed global benchmarks in warship construction. These advanced platforms not only bolster the Indian Navy's operational readiness but also reflect the nation's progress toward achieving self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

A Testament to India's Maritime Strength

The delivery of Surat and Nilgiri marks a significant step forward in strengthening the Indian Navy's strategic capabilities. These warships, equipped with cutting-edge technology and a high degree of indigenous content, symbolize India's maritime prowess and its steadfast commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests.