Context:
Recently, the Indian Navy commissioned three frontline platforms—Vagsheer, Surat, and Nilgiri—into service at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.
About Platforms:
| Feature | Vagsheer | Nilgiri | Surat |
| Class | Kalvari Class | Shivalik-class guided stealth frigates | Visakhapatnam Class |
| Project | Project 75 Scorpene | Project-17A | Project-15B |
| Features | – Silent, versatile diesel-electric submarine | – Stealth features – Reduced radar signatures – Advanced sensors for helicopter operations | – Stealth destroyer – 1st AI-enabled warship with indigenously developed AI solutions enhancing operational efficiency – Named after the city in Gujarat |
Project 15B:
- Known as Visakhapatnam-class destroyers
- Series of guided-missile warships for Indian Navy Advanced version of Kolkata-class destroyers
- Improved stealth, automation, and armament capabilities
- Series of Ships, INS Visakhapatnam, INS Mormugao, INS Imphal, INS Surat
Project 75:
- Scorpene class submarines
- Joint venture between Naval Group of France and MDL
- Six advanced diesel-electric conventional submarines for Indian Navy
- Submarines Under Project 75: INS Kalvari, INS Vagsheer, INS Vela, INS Khanderi, INS Karanj, INS Vagir.
Project 17A:
- Stealth guided-missile frigates
- Designed by Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau
- Built by MDL and GRSE
- Series of Ships named after mountain ranges of India: Nilgiri, Udaygiri, Taragiri, Mahendragiri, Himgiri, Dunagiri, Vindhyagiri
Air Independent Propulsion (AIP):
- Marine propulsion technology
- Increases stealth and endurance of non-nuclear submarines
- Operates without access to atmospheric oxygen (no surfacing or snorkel needed)
- Indigenous AIP Technology
- Fuel Cell-based Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system
- Developed by DRDO’s Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL)
- Significance
- AIP module acts as a force multiplier
- Enables conventional submarines to remain submerged longer
- Increases endurance and reduces chances of detection
- AIP can be retrofitted into existing submarine hulls
Source: TH
Previous Year Question
Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?
[UPSC CSE – 2016 Prelims]
(a) Amphibious warfare ship
(b) Nuclear-powered submarine
(c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
(d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
Answer: (c)