The strategic significance of the simultaneous commissioning of the frontline warships Nilgiri and Surat, along with the modern submarine Vagsheer, the final Scorpene-class submarine under Project 75, which features stealth capabilities, is that three state-of-the-art platforms have been inducted together, said retired Admiral Sunil Lanba, former Chief of the Indian Navy.
"While the commissioning of Surat completes the induction of Project 15B Destroyers, Project 17 for frigates takes off with the induction of Nilgiri. A total of seven such vessels will join the Indian Navy in the near future. On the other hand, Vaghsheer pulls the curtains down to India's long-delayed Scorpene submarine project," Lanba told Sputnik India.
With the adoption of modular construction, the overall build time of major warships has reduced from eight to five years in the country, he pointed out.
The series production of platforms leads to standardisation of weapons/sensors and other equipment, the naval expert believes. In addition, the training and maintenance strategies become scalable with cost benefits over the long run, he said,
"But the shipyards still need to improve on the overall build period. From keel laying to commissioning which should include all trails, should be around four years for destroyers and frigates," Lanba stated.
To match global standards and meet operational demands, further optimisation in build periods is necessary, retired Commodore Dr Johnson Odakkal, the former Director of the Maritime History Society asserted in an interview with Sputnik India.
According to him, the ideal construction time for first-in-class vessels should be 3–4 years which would balance complexity with quality. However, for serial production, especially for standardised designs, build periods can be refined to 24 months or less.
Strategies For Achieving the Target
Odakkal emphasised that the Indian shipyards can achieve this through the following strategies:
Modular Construction: Pre-fabricated modules assembled at the yard reduce on-site work and save time.
Advanced Technologies: Incorporating 3D modeling, automation, and robotics enhances precision and accelerates production timelines.
Streamlined Supply Chains: Partnering with MSMEs and domestic vendors ensures timely delivery of high-quality components.
Skilled Workforce: Training workers in Industry 4.0 tools ensures adaptability to advanced manufacturing techniques.
Collaborative Ecosystem: Engaging R&D institutions like DRDO and private technology firms can fast-track innovation and efficiency.
Envisioning India's Next-Generation Destroyers
With the commissioning of INS Surat, the last of the Project 15B Destroyers, attention shifts to conceptualising Next-Generation Destroyers (NGD) that align with evolving maritime threats and operational paradigms, the military veteran noted.
Core Features of NGD
Multi-layered stealth technologies, including radar-absorbent materials and acoustic suppression systems.
Intelligent hull designs to minimise signatures across detection spectrums.
Integration of hypersonic missiles, long-range SAMs, and directed energy weapons for enhanced strike capabilities.
Advanced underwater weaponry to counter subsurface threats.
Systems capable of simultaneous aerial, surface, subsurface, and electronic warfare.
AI-driven decision-making and situational awareness systems for superior combat readiness.
Complementary Naval Programs
The NGD initiative complements ongoing projects:
Project 17A and 17B Frigates: Multi-role stealth frigates with advanced combat systems.
Project 75 and 75 (I) Submarines: Expanding underwater dominance with AIP-equipped and nuclear-powered submarines.
Indigenous Aircraft Carriers: Enhancing blue water capabilities with the planned IAC-2.
Next-Generation Corvettes (NGC): Littoral combatants with superior stealth and modular weapon systems.
"The Next-Generation Destroyers will be a formidable blend of stealth, technology, and firepower, safeguarding India's maritime interests in an increasingly complex security environment," Odakkal stated.
Naval Shipbuilding as a Nation-Building Ecosystem
India's naval shipbuilding initiatives are more than defence imperatives — they are nation-building endeavors, Odakkal explained.
By fostering an ecosystem that integrates technology, industry, and communities, the Navy drives multi-sectoral growth:
1.
Industrial Growth: Engaging over 500 MSMEs across sectors such as steel, electronics, and software.2.
Employment Generation: Creating skilled jobs in coastal shipyards and R&D centers.3.
Strategic Exports: Positioning India as a global hub for cost-effective and advanced naval platforms.4.
Sustainability: Incorporating eco-friendly materials and practices to align with green maritime goals.The commissioning of INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vagsheer exemplifies India's naval ambitions and its vision for a self-reliant and future-ready maritime force, the retired Commodore emphasised.
"With optimised build periods and the development of next-generation platforms, the Indian Navy is charting a course toward technological superiority, operational excellence, and economic growth—a true testament to the synergy of security and nation-building," Oddakal highlighted. "The Navy's roadmap reflects an enduring commitment to innovation, resilience, and leadership in maritime affairs."