Warships Surat and Nilgiri

25-12-2024

In December 2024, the Indian Navy has received two indigenously built warships, a destroyer (Surat) and a frigate (Nilgiri).

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) delivered the two advanced warships, Nilgiri and Surat, to the Indian Navy.
The Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy developed the designs for both vessels.

Construction was carried out by MDL under the supervision of the Warship Inspection Team based in Mumbai.

What is the Difference Between Frigates and Destroyers?

Aspect	Frigates	Destroyers
Role	Primarily used for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and escort missions.	Designed for multi-role operations, including anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare.
Size and Displacement	Smaller in size with a lower displacement, typically between 2,000 to 4,000 tons.	Larger ships with higher displacement, generally between 5,000 to 10,000 tons.
Speed	Slightly slower due to smaller engines, usually 25–30 knots.	Faster with speeds exceeding 30 knots.
Armament	Equipped with fewer weapons, focusing on torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets, and surface-to-air missiles.	Heavily armed with long-range missiles, advanced radars, and guns for versatile combat roles.
Cost	Less expensive due to smaller size and lighter weaponry.	Significantly more expensive owing to size, advanced systems, and heavy weaponry.
Operational Scope	Best suited for regional defense and convoy protection.	Designed for blue-water navy operations and offensive missions in distant regions.

Surat is the 4^th ship (after Visakhapatnam, Mormugao and Imphal) and the last ship under Project 15B.
It is a highly capable stealth guided missile destroyer designed for various maritime warfare missions.
It is a potent and versatile platform equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles and torpedoes.
Features: It has displacement of 7,400 tons and an overall length of 164 meters.
Armed with: BrahMos supersonic surface-to-surface missiles and Barak-8 medium-range surface-to-air missiles.
Powered by a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) propulsion set, comprising four gas turbines, and achieve speeds in excess of 30 knots (56 km/h).
It is Indian Navy’s 1^st Al enabled warship utilizing indigenously developed Al solutions which would enhance its operational efficiency manifolds.

Feature	Details
Origin	*Project 15A (Kolkata-class, 2014-2016)* and *Project 15B (Visakhapatnam-class, 2021-2024)* guided-missile destroyers are based on the *25-year-old Delhi* class (Project 15, 1997-2001)** destroyers.
Construction	Three destroyers were built under Project 15A, and four were constructed under Project 15B at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai.
Design	The designs of P-15A and P-15B are largely similar, with minor differences, including stealth improvements, updated helicopter handling systems, and alternative navigation radars.
Armament	16 Brahmos ram-jet powered antiship/land-attack cruise missiles. 32 Israeli-Indian Barak-8 medium-range surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). 2 twin 21-inch antisubmarine torpedo tubes. 2 12-round RBU-6000 antisubmarine warfare rocket launchers. Three-inch gun and 2 AK-630 30-mm close-in weapon systems.
Helicopter Accommodation	Twin hangars can house Sea King Mk 42 or U.S. MH-60R Seahawk antisubmarine helicopters.

Nilgiri is the first-of-class (FOC) ship under Project 17A. It is a follow-on of the Shivalik class (Project 17) frigates active in service. Nilgiri is 1^st among the seven P17A frigates under construction.
It incorporates cutting-edge technology, making it one of the most advanced ships in its class globally.
Capable of dealing with both conventional and non-conventional threats in the area of India’s Maritime Interests.
Designed for improved survivability, seaworthiness, stealth, and mobility. Its stealth technology includes a uniquely shaped hull and radar-transparent deck fittings, reducing detectability.
Built using ‘Integrated Construction’ philosophy, which involves extensive pre-outfitting at the Block stages to reduce the overall build periods.
Powered by two Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) main propulsion plants, each comprising a Diesel Engine and Gas Turbine, driving a Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP).
It has state- of-the-art Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).

IPMS technology provides an advanced automation solution and integrates platform, propulsion, electrical, auxiliary and damage control systems into one integrated solution.

The ship is fitted with supersonic surface-to-surface missile system, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles system, 76 mm Upgraded Gun, and a combination of rapid-fire close-in weapon systems.

Feature	Details
Origin	Project 17A (P-17A) was launched by Indian Navy in 2019 to construct a series of stealth guided-missile frigates. They are the upgraded version of the Shivalik-class (Project 17) frigates currently in service.
Construction	These frigates are being constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE).
Stealth Features	Includes radar-absorbent coatings and low observability for enhanced stealth. Technology to minimize infrared emissions, making them harder to detect by adversaries.
Key Milestones	The 1^st frigate, Nilgiri, was launched in 2019 and is now inducted. The 2^nd frigate, Udaygiri, was launched in 2022 and is expected to be commissioned in 2024.
Current Status	Seven P-17A frigates are in different stages of construction at MDL and GRSE.
Indigenous Contribution	Around 75% of project orders have been placed with Indian companies, including MSMEs, reinforcing the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative.

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