New Delhi, Feb. 28 -- The commissioning of three frontline naval platforms on 15 January 2025 - the first Project 17A frigate, Nilgiri; the last of four Project-15B destroyers, Surat; and the sixth and last Scorpene class submarine Vagsheer - is of considerable consequence for the Navy and the nation. While these long awaited accretions will bolster India's maritime warfare capabilities, they are also, a reassuring demonstration of the diverse competencies acquired by our warship building industry in the 53 years since the first Indian built warship (also named Nilgiri) was delivered in 1972.
Amidst the euphoria, it is important to take note of a recent reality check, provided by China. On 27 December 2024, Shanghai's Hudong Shipyard launc...