The Indian Navy is swiftly bolstering its strength in the Indian Ocean to cement its position and counter the naval forces of China and Pakistan. By January 2025, the navy will boast over 150 ships and submarines, with a target of 200 ships and 500 aircraft by 2050. A total of 12 ships will be commissioned in 2025, including 3 to 4 frigates. Proudly made in India, these exemplify the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' or self-reliant India.
On January 15, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over a historic commissioning at Mumbai's Naval Dockyard of INS Nilgiri (a frigate), INS Surat (a destroyer), and INS Vagsheer (a submarine). These additions signal a first for India, and INS Tushil along with INS Tamal will further fortify the navy.
The Frigates to be Commissioned in 2025 and Their Specifications
This year, the newly commissioned frigates will include INS Nilgiri, INS Tushil, INS Tamal, and potentially INS Himgiri. An in-depth look is given below...
Source: aajtak
1. INS Nilgiri (Project 17A, Nilgiri-Class)
Commissioned on: January 15, 2025, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL), Mumbai.
Weight: 6,670 tons
Length: 149 meters
Speed: 28 knots (52 km/h)
Range: 5,500 nautical miles (10,186 km)
Engine: 2 MAN diesel engines + 2 General Electric LM2500 gas turbines
Armaments
32 Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles (Israel-India collaboration)
8 BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles
127 mm main gun (manufactured by BHEL, a first)
Torpedo and rocket launchers
Sensors: MF-STAR multifunction radar, tracking multiple aerial and surface targets.
Helicopters: Capable of carrying Chetak, ALH, Sea King, and MH-60R Seahawk helicopters.
Features
Incorporates stealth technology with a reduced radar cross-section (RCS) and infrared signature. Features a rail-less helicopter traversing system and visual landing system. Separate accommodations and mess hall for female naval officers. Comprises 75% indigenous materials. ₹4,000 crores per frigate. Designed for blue-water missions in the Indian Ocean, such as securing maritime trade routes and anti-submarine warfare.
Read Also: INS Vikramaditya undergoes upgrade, replacing Barak-1 missiles with DRDO's VL-SRSAM system. Discover the missile's advanced features.
Source: aajtak
2. INS Tushil (Krivak-III Class, Advanced Talwar-Class)
Commissioned on: December 9, 2024, Yantar Shipyard, Russia
Weight: 3,900 tons
Length: 125 meters
Speed: 30+ knots (56 km/h)
Range: 4,500 nautical miles (8,334 km)
Engine: Gas turbine from Zorya-Mashproekt, Ukraine
Armaments
8 BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles (range of 450 km).
Shtil surface-to-air missiles.
Anti-submarine torpedoes and rockets.
Medium-range surface-to-air gun.
Sensors: Advanced electronic warfare and communication suite.
Helicopters: Equipped with Kamov-28 (anti-submarine) and Kamov-31 (airborne early warning).
Features
Designed for blue-water operations, capable of multi-domain (air, surface, underwater, electronic) combat. Imported from Russia, but two more (Triput and Tawasya) are being developed in India. Costing ₹8,000 crores (for two frigates). Primarily aimed at securing sea routes and combating terrorism and smuggling.
Read Also: Operation Sindoor: Indian Navy thwarts PAK actions post Pahalgam terrorist attack.
Source: aajtak
3. INS Tamal (Krivak-III Class, Advanced Talwar-Class)
Projected Commissioning: June 2025, Yantar Shipyard, Russia
Weight: 3,900 tons
Length: 125 meters
Speed: 30+ knots (56 km/h)
Range: 4,500 nautical miles (8,334 km)
Engine: Zorya-Mashproekt gas turbine
Armaments
Front-loaded with 8 BrahMos missiles (450 km range).
Shtil surface-to-air missiles.
Anti-submarine torpedoes and rockets.
Medium-range gun.
Sensors: Advanced electronics and communication systems.
Helicopters: Can house Kamov-28 and Kamov-31.
Features
Much like INS Tushil, this is the last imported warship from Russia, with future vessels to be built in India. Costs ₹8,000 crores (for two frigates). Aims to expand India's strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific and the Indian Ocean.
Read Also: A fierce start, what comes next? Pakistan faces missile heat and torpedo testing pressure.
Source: aajtak
4. INS Himgiri (Project 17A, Nilgiri-Class) (Possible)
Projected Commissioning: End of 2025, Garden Reach Shipbuilders (GRSE), Kolkata.
Weight: 6,670 tons
Length: 149 meters
Speed: 28 knots (52 km/h)
Range: 5,500 nautical miles (10,186 km)
Engine: 2 MAN diesel engines + 2 General Electric LM2500 gas turbines
Armaments
Armed with 32 Barak-8 missiles.
8 BrahMos missiles.
127 mm gun.
Torpedo and rocket launchers.
Sensors: MF-STAR radar.
Helicopters: Hosting Chetak, ALH, Sea King, MH-60R.
Features
Stealth technology with reduced RCS. Facilities for female naval officers. 75% indigenous components. ₹4,000 crores per frigate. Similar to INS Nilgiri, designed for multi-role missions.
Indian Navy's Move Towards Self-Reliance
Indigenization:
75% of Nilgiri and Himgiri's parts are made in India. While Tushil and Tamal are imports from Russia, subsequent frigates like Triput and Tawasya are under construction in Goa.
Shipyards:
Major warship builders include Mazagon Dock (MDL), Garden Reach (GRSE), Goa Shipyard, and Cochin Shipyard in India.
Cost:
The total expenditure for 12 ships commissioned in 2025 is ₹1.1 lakh crores (US$13 billion).
Women in Navy:
Separate accommodations for female officers and sailors in Nilgiri and Himgiri highlight the navy's progressive policies.
Natural Disaster Preparedness
The Indian Ocean is prone to challenges like floods and cyclones. According to IDMC, 32 million people in India were displaced by disasters between 2015-2024. Nilgiri-class frigates can aid in relief delivery and coastal surveillance.
