Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.
India has quietly rolled out a significant advancement in its maritime capabilities by simultaneously commissioning a submarine, a destroyer, and a frigate on the same day.
Some shit you should know before you read: Over the last three years, India has significantly ramped up its defense spending, pouring billions into modernizing its military and bolstering its domestic defense industry, with a record $15 billion allocated to local defense manufacturing in 2024 alone. This investment aims to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, particularly Russia, and expand its naval fleet from 150 to 170 warships over the next decade to address growing security concerns in the Indian Ocean region. The move cama as India faces mounting challenges from China’s aggressive maritime expansion, which includes a larger, more advanced naval fleet and increasing influence in South Asia through economic and military initiatives.
What’s going on now: At a ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, India commissioned three new frontline naval combatants—INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vagsheer. INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A class frigates, is designed for multi-role operations and features advanced stealth technology, state-of-the-art sensors, and weapon systems. It is equipped to operate a variety of helicopters, including the newly inducted MH-60R, and has cutting-edge navigation and communication systems for seamless day-and-night operations.
INS Surat, the final ship of the Project 15B class destroyers, is among the most powerful warships in the Indian Navy, boasting advanced missile systems, heavy-duty firepower, and the capability to counter air, surface, and underwater threats.
INS Vagsheer, the sixth and final Scorpene-class submarine under the P75 program, is a diesel-electric attack submarine designed for stealth and precision. Built with French collaboration, it fills critical gaps in India’s underwater capabilities with features like advanced weapon systems and sensors for anti-submarine warfare.
This all comes as India seeks to counter China’s expanding naval dominance, which has emerged as a significant challenge in the Indian Ocean region. Now operating the world’s largest Navy, China has bolstered its presence through initiatives like the Belt and Road project, developing strategic ports in Gwadar, Pakistan, and Hambantota, Sri Lanka, and deploying warships in waters critical to India’s trade and security. In response, India has intensified efforts to modernize its Navy and focused on shipbuilding within the country. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that 39 out of the Navy’s last 40 ships were built in Indian shipyards.
