The Indian Navy is set to significantly bolster its maritime defence capabilities with the commissioning of INS Nilgiri, a cutting-edge stealth frigate that marks a new era in indigenous warship development.
This vessel, the first of the Project 17A class, will be the inaugural Indian warship equipped with the advanced Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) system, further enhanced by the integration of DART (Driven Ammunition Reduced Time of flight) guided munitions.
The SRGM, a 76/62 mm naval gun system renowned for its high rate of fire and accuracy, is a common feature on warships globally. However, the system deployed on INS Nilgiri, manufactured by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) at its Haridwar plant, represents a significant leap forward for India's domestic defence industry.
This indigenously produced SRGM not only provides impressive firepower but also incorporates cutting-edge technology for enhanced precision and versatility in naval combat.
What truly sets this system apart is the integration of DART guided munitions. These programmable rounds offer unprecedented accuracy and lethality against highly agile threats, such as anti-ship missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones.
By significantly reducing the time of flight to target, DART ammunition enables the SRGM to engage threats at extended ranges, bolstering the ship's defence against modern aerial threats.
The deployment of INS Nilgiri with this advanced weaponry system offers several key strategic advantages:
- Enhanced Defence Against Modern Threats: In today's naval warfare environment, where technology and speed are paramount, the ability to neutralize swarm UAVs, subsonic cruise missiles, and other low-flying threats with pinpoint accuracy is crucial. The SRGM with DART ammunition provides INS Nilgiri with a formidable defence against these evolving threats.
- Indigenous Innovation and Capability: The development and integration of this advanced weapon system underscore India's growing prowess in defence manufacturing. This achievement aligns with the nation's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, which emphasizes self-reliance in defence technology. It demonstrates India's capability to not only produce complex systems domestically but also to adapt them to specific operational requirements.
- Setting New Standards: INS Nilgiri is more than just a warship; it symbolizes India's commitment to developing a world-class naval force. By incorporating cutting-edge systems typically found only on the most advanced warships globally, INS Nilgiri sets a new benchmark for indigenous warship development and signals India's growing stature in the global naval arena.
