Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on May 17 launched into water two frontline warships of the Indian Navy, Surat and Udaygiri, at Mazagon Docks Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. While Surat is the fourth guided missile destroyer built under the Indian Navy’s Project 15B, advanced stealth frigate warship Udaygiri is part of Project 17A. The two warships have been designed by the Directorate of Naval Design (DND) and built at MDL. Around 75% of the equipment and systems required for building the two ships was sourced from indigenous firms, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the Indian Navy said in a statement.
The Defence Minister, in his address after the launch, termed the two warships as “shining examples” of India’s growing indigenous capability. “These warships will be among the most technologically advanced missile carriers in the world that will cater to the present as well as future requirements,” Mr. Singh said.
