2025-12-20 Sat

The launch of India’s first combat warship, the frigate INS Nilgiri (F33), in 1968 marked a significant turning point in Indian maritime History. This 3,000-tonne Vessel served as the lead ship among its class of frigates. A frigate is designed for surface warfare, escorting other vessels, and conducting surveillance operations. Constructed at Mazagon Docks Limited (MDL) in Mumbai (then Bombay), in collaboration with Yarrow Shipbuilders from Glasgow, INS Nilgiri holds the distinction of being the first major warship built in India.

On 23 October 1968, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi officially launched INS Nilgiri at MDL, and on 03 June 1972, it was commissioned into the Indian Navy. At that time, it was one of the most advanced warships of its class, belonging to the Leander-class frigates. INS Nilgiri was equipped with state-of-the-art Electronic Warfare (EW) receivers and jammers, Royal Navy Vickers and Oerlikon guns, and two Seacat anti-aircraft missiles firing directors, showcasing its versatility with both anti-submarine and anti-aircraft capabilities. Additionally, the ship was fitted with cutting-edge Dutch radars from Signaal, currently known as Thales.

INS Nilgiri was decommissioned in 1996 and was subsequently sunk in 1997 during a test firing of a Sea Eagle anti-ship missile launched from the aircraft carrier INS Viraat.

The story of INS Nilgiri serves as an important illustration of the Indian Navy's commitment to embracing modern naval Technology and best practices in shipbuilding. Its success established a foundational capacity for indigenous warship construction in India.

On 15 #December 1968, India Post issued a commemorative stamp to honor the launch of INS Nilgiri. This stamp, bearing a face value of 20 paise, features an image of the frigate at sea.