The tableau of the Indian Navy in the 76th Republic Day Parade featured the three leading warships INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Waghshir, dedicated to the nation recently.
All three warships have been designed and built entirely in India and underline the country’s growing efficiency in the defense production sector. It is also a symbol of the feeling of ‘self-reliance’.
A mixed marching squad and a naval band participated in the parade on the duty path.
The average age of the members of this group was 25 years. According to officials, these personnel have been carefully selected from all branches of the Indian Navy and have been given special training for more than two months for the event.
The Defense Ministry had earlier said the induction of the three major naval warships is a significant leap towards realizing India’s vision of becoming a global leader in defense manufacturing and maritime security.
INS Nilgiri is the apex ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class which represents a significant upgrade on the Shivalik class frigates.
Designed by the Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy and built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), INS Nilgiri has advanced features.
It is equipped with modern aviation facilities and can operate various types of helicopters including MH-60R.
INS Surat, the fourth and final frigate of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class, is a member of the next generation of Kolkata class destroyers.
Its design and capabilities have been improved and it is an important member of the Navy’s surface fleet.
Like INS Nilgiri, it has also been designed by the Warship Design Bureau and manufactured at MDL.
INS Waghshir is the sixth and final frigate of the Scorpene class under Project 75. It is a multi-role diesel-electric powered ship.
