MDL performs same-day launches of a destroyer and frigate
The final Visakhapatnam-class destroyer was launched by Mazagon Docks Limited on 17 May. (IN)
Mazagon Docks Limited enjoyed a big splash as it launched two large Indian Navy surface combatants on the same day.
Mazagon Docks Limited (MDL) in Mumbai launched two surface combatants on 17 May that will eventually join the Indian Navy (IN) – one was a Visakhapatnam-class destroyer and the other a Nilgiri-class frigate.
The future INS Surat is the fourth Project 15B destroyer, while INS Udaygiri is the third Project 17A frigate. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the dual-launch ceremony.
The Indian MoD stated that the 7,300t Visakhapatnam-class destroyers ‘herald a significant makeover’ compared to preceding Project 15A Kolkata-class destroyers.
Surat was built in blocks, with the 163m-long hull constructed at two different locations before being
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![SAHA 2026: Aselsan seeks to replicate Turkey’s UAV success at sea]()
SAHA 2026: Aselsan seeks to replicate Turkey’s UAV success at sea
Turkey’s defence electronics company has unveiled two new uncrewed naval systems at SAHA 2026 – but the harder test will be converting it into an export success.
-
![HHI poised to start submarine production in Peru pending election outcome]()
HHI poised to start submarine production in Peru pending election outcome
South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries confirmed to Shephard that the company is awaiting the Peruvian government’s decision to allow it to move forward with the production of the HDS-1500 submarine.
-
![How the Hormuz mine threat exposes potential Baltic MCM shortfalls]()
How the Hormuz mine threat exposes potential Baltic MCM shortfalls
Ageing Baltic vessels and an absence of active minehunting vessel programmes in the region have been put under the spotlight in the recent conflict.
