Stealth frigate INS Nilgiri arrives in Chennai for Maiden visit

CHENNAI: The Indian Navy’s newest stealth frigate, INS Nilgiri, made a historic maiden visit to Chennai on Wednesday, her very namesake state.

Heralded as a momentous occasion, the ship’s arrival symbolises a powerful union of sea and mountain, invoking the legacy of the Nilgiri Hills.

Commissioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 15, INS Nilgiri is the lead vessel of the Project 17A (P‑17A) class of stealth guided-missile frigates.

Designed by the Warship Design Bureau and built indigenously at Mazagon Dock in Mumbai and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers in Kolkata, the ship exemplifies India's maritime self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Commanded by Captain Nitin Kapoor, the ship swiftly joined the Eastern Naval Command, arriving at her home port of Visakhapatnam in June.

The Chennai stopover, timed in her first deployment cycle, marks both a symbolic and operational milestone, cementing ties with Tamil Nadu—the inspiration behind her name.

Naval sources stated that she will also undergo ceremonial and diplomatic engagements during her stay, reinforcing the region's strategic maritime importance.

The vessel measures 149 metres in length and has a displacement of around 6,670 tonnes. It boasts reduced radar cross-section and infrared signatures, both undeniable enhancements over the earlier Shivalik class.

Its armaments include 16‑cell Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles, eight BrahMos anti-ship cruise missiles, a 76 mm OTO Melara gun, along with close-in weapon systems and torpedo launchers.

Propulsion is provided by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) system, enabling speeds of up to 32 knots and offering a range exceeding 5,500 nautical miles at economical cruising speed.

As one of seven P-17A frigates planned for commissioning between 2024 and 2027, INS Nilgiri stands at the forefront of India's expanding naval might.