INS Nilgiri (P-17A) is coming soon

INS Nilgiri (P-17A) is a modern stealth missile frigate of the Indian Navy’s Project 17A class. Its design focuses on maximum low-observability: the use of composite materials and radar-absorbing coatings significantly reduces the ship’s radar signature. Another key advantage is its high modularity—almost all weapon systems can be replaced or reconfigured, allowing the frigate to be flexibly adapted for any fleet mission.

Armament: 1. Missile battery (ASM) – BrahMos ER [3x1] 2. Cannon – OTO Leonardo (127 mm) [1x1] 3. Grenade launcher – RBU-12000 [2x1] 4. Torpedo launcher– Varunastra (533 mm) [2x1] 5. Helicopter – Ka-58 Black Ghost [1x1] 6. Air Defense – Kashtan-M (30 mm) [2x1] 7. Air Defense – Kashtan-M (30 mm) [2x1] 8. Air Defense – Barak-8ERN [1x1]🔒

New additions: BrahMos ER — an upgraded version of the Russian-Indian joint anti-ship missile designed for high-precision strikes on surface targets at much greater ranges. Compared to the baseline model, it features a higher flight profile, faster reloading, and significantly greater speed throughout the entire flight, making it an excellent choice for captains who prefer long-range engagements.
This missile is available for purchase in the equipment store.
Barak-8ERN — a long-range Indian-Israeli surface-to-air missile system intended to intercept and destroy a wide variety of aerial targets. Equipped with advanced guidance systems, it reliably shields the ship even under heavy countermeasures. The ability to launch up to six missiles simultaneously allows it to strike maneuvering targets and force enemy aircraft to expend countermeasures.

Characteristic features in combat

Pros:
1. Almost all equipment (except the Barak-8ERN SAM) can be swapped for alternative options, offering wide room for individual customization.
2. The ship’s primary strike weapons are concentrated in the bow, enabling effective “hit-and-run” tactics—firing from behind cover and quickly withdrawing before counter-fire can land.
3. When fully upgraded, the frigate demonstrates excellent seakeeping and maneuverability, allowing confident control of engagement distance and battle direction.

Cons:
1. Almost all air-defense weapons (except the Barak-8ERN) are located aft, reducing defensive efficiency when presenting only the ship’s bow to the enemy.
2. Despite its universal weapons set, the default configuration does not unlock the frigate’s full potential; experienced captains will likely need to reconfigure the arsenal to match their personal tactics for maximum combat performance.

The new Indian frigate clearly embodies the primary mission of its class in modern naval warfare. Its role is to swiftly move along a designated combat route, deliver powerful missile strikes against enemy sea or land targets, and then retreat just as quickly while repelling any counterattack.

Thanks to the ability to swap out nearly all of its equipment, this frigate can perform an exceptionally wide range of missions: head-on clashes with enemy warships, hunting hidden submarines, or flanking strikes on hostile carriers—these are only a few of the possibilities in the hands of a skilled commander. Yet, as with any ship, it has its weak spots. The main one is the placement of most air-defense systems at the stern. In open waters this may not be critical, but if the enemy launches missiles while only your bow is exposed from behind cover, it becomes easier for them to score a hit. Timely deployment of countermeasures or a well-executed withdrawal behind cover will help avoid taking damage.

INS Nilgiri (P-17A) represents the ideal image of a modern multi-role frigate, whose effectiveness depends not only on the captain’s skill but also on a carefully chosen arsenal and a well-planned strategy. It is an excellent choice for both seasoned naval veterans and newcomers eager to experiment with various weapon combinations and tactics in battle.