PM Modi Commissions Three Made-In-India Frontline Naval Combatants In Major Defence Boost
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday dedicated three frontline naval combatants to the nation at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, marking the country’s significant leap in defence manufacturing and maritime security.
The three naval ships commissioned include INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer.
What Are Three Naval Combatants?
INS Nilgiri is the first ship of the P17A Stealth Frigate Project, which has been designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau. The ship features advanced features for enhanced survivability, seakeeping, and stealth, the PMO said.
INS Surat is the fourth and final ship of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project and is among the largest and “most sophisticated destroyers” in the world.
It is made with 75 per cent indigenous content and is equipped with weapon-sensor packages and advanced network-centric capabilities.
INS Vaghsheer is the sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene Project and is a symbol of the country’s growing expertise in submarine construction. It has been constructed in collaboration with the Naval Group of France.
PM Modi Lauds Made-In-India Combatants
The Prime Minister said that it is a matter of pride that all three frontline naval combatants are Made in India.
“Today’s India is emerging as a major maritime power in the world,” he said.
Describing the occasion as a “very big day” for India’s maritime heritage, PM Modi recalled Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his vision for the navy.
“Today is a very big day for India’s maritime heritage, the glorious history of the Navy and the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had given new strength and a new vision to Indian Navy. Today, on his holy land, we are taking a very big step towards strengthening the Navy of the 21st century. This is the first time when a destroyer, a frigate and a submarine, all three are being commissioned together,” he said.
Defence Minister Hails Commissioning Of Ships
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the development and said that it is a testimony of India’s growing strength in the Indian Ocean region.
“The historic commissioning of INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer, is a testimony not just to the Indian Navy, but also to India’s growing strength in the Indian Ocean Region,” he said.
“Although the Indian Ocean Region has always been important from a geo-strategic and economic point of view, but in today’s rapidly changing environment, it has become even more important. Today we can say that the importance that the Atlantic Ocean used to have in the past has shifted to the Indian Ocean today,” Rajnath added.
