Yard 12651 (Nilgiri), the first Project 17A stealth frigate is a
follow-on of the Shivalik class (Project 17) frigates active in service.
Nilgiri is first among the seven P17A frigates under construction and
MDL, Mumbai and GRSE, Kolkata. These multi-mission frigates are
capable of operating in a ‘blue water’ environment dealing with both
conventional and non-conventional threats in the area of India’s
Maritime Interests. The newly designed ships are also being built using
‘Integrated Construction’ philosophy, which involves extensive pre-
outfitting at the Block stages to reduce the overall build periods. The
ships are 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). The ships also have state-
of-the-art Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS). The ships
are 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.
The delivery of the vessels showcases the nation's design, ship
construction, engineering prowess and industrial know-how. The
delivery also reinforces IN’s unrelenting focus on Aatmanirbharta in
both ship design and shipbuilding. In keeping with the current thrust on
nation building through self-reliance the vessels have 75%
indigenisation content with orders on a myriad of indigenous firms
including MSMEs (more than 200 in each shipyard). The projects
have boosted self-reliance, economic development, employment
generation, growth of MSMEs and ancillary ecosystem in the country.
The warships are fitted with major weapons and sensors sourced
from indigenous OEMs, viz M/s BAPL, L&T, MTPF, M/s BEL, BHEL,
Mahindra etc
Surat's keel was laid on 07 Nov 19 and was launched on 17 May
22. The ship has been delivered to the Indian Navy in 31 months from
launch to delivery, making her the fastest indigenous destroyer ever
built. The ship had commenced her Contractor Sea Trials on 15 Jun 24
and completed her Final Machinery Trials on 25 Nov 24, within an
unprecedented record time of just six months.
Nilgiri’s keel was laid on 28 Dec 17 and the ship was launched
into water on 28 Sep 19. The ship had sailed out for her maiden sea
trials in Aug 24 and ever since, has undergone a comprehensive
schedule of trials in harbour and at sea, leading up to its delivery now.
The balance six ships of the class are at various stages of
construction at MDL, Mumbai and GRSE, Kolkata. These ships are
expected to be delivered to IN in 2025 and 2026.