The Indian Navy is poised to start the year 2025 with significant advancements in its naval capabilities, as it prepares to commission two major vessels in January. This pivotal development includes the commissioning of the last vessel in the Kalvari-class series of submarines and the inaugural ship of the Nilgiri-class frigates.
Initially scheduled for commissioning in December, the timeline for these events has been revised, according to sources within the defense and security establishment. The submarine Vagsheer represents the sixth and final addition to the Kalvari-class, a series that has seen significant technological collaboration with France. Launched in April 2022, Vagsheer marks the culmination of a project initiated by the Indian Navy in 2005, which has seen all submarines constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders under a transfer of technology from the French firm Naval Group. The Indian variant of these submarines is designated as Kalvari-class.
The Kalvari-class submarines are versatile 2000-ton vessels, designed to undertake a variety of missions, including anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, long-range strikes, as well as special operations and intelligence gathering. Equipped with six weapon-launching tubes, these submarines can carry a total of 18 weapons, such as torpedoes and missiles. The first of this class, INS Kalvari, was incorporated into the Indian Navy in 2017, and further augmentations of this fleet will follow, with plans for three additional submarines to be constructed under Project 75, pending contract signing expected by next month.
Concurrently, the Nilgiri-class frigate, which is also being constructed at Mazagon Dock, is anticipated to be the first of seven new stealth frigates aimed at enhancing the Navy’s operational capabilities. These vessels are based on the advanced specifications of the earlier P17 Shivalik-class frigates and are designed with enhanced stealth features and indigenous systems for weaponry and sensors. The development of these Project 17A frigates utilizes an integrated construction methodology and is expected to offer improved survivability, maneuverability, and sea-keeping abilities, as stated by the Ministry of Defence.
In recent naval developments, India commissioned the INS Tushil on December 9 into its Western Fleet, known as the Sword Arm. The forthcoming ship, Tamal, is projected to be delivered by early next year, as part of a $2.5 billion agreement made with Russia in 2016 to procure four frigates. This contract stipulates that two vessels are to be constructed in Russia while the other two will be built at the Goa Shipyard in collaboration with Russian technology.
Additionally, the commissioning of Nirdeshak, the second ship of the Survey Vessel Large (SVL) class, is scheduled for December 18, with Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth officiating the event in Visakhapatnam. The lead vessel, INS Sandhyak, was inducted into service earlier in February. The SVL ships play a pivotal role in conducting hydrographic surveys of ports, navigational channels, coastal regions, and deeper waters, ensuring safe marine navigation while also supporting various naval operations.
As these vessels prepare for their commissioning, the Indian Navy continues to strengthen its maritime capabilities, reflecting India’s commitment to advancing its defense infrastructure and enhancing its operational readiness.
