Triple Commissioning Ceremony in Kolkata
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will preside over the commissioning of three indigenously-built frontline platforms into the Indian Navy in Kolkata on Sunday. The vessels—advanced stealth frigate Dunagiri, survey vessel Sanshodhak, and anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft Agray—represent a significant enhancement of India's maritime capabilities.
Indigenous Design and Construction
Designed by the Navy's Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, the three ships span key operational areas: maritime combat, hydrographic surveying, and anti-submarine warfare. According to a defence ministry release, these platforms will bolster India's blue-water capability, shallow-water anti-submarine operations, and oceanographic surveying.
GRSE Awarded Navratna Status
In recognition of GRSE's consistent financial and physical performance, the shipyard was accorded 'Navratna' status on Friday, an official said. This status facilitates larger investments and enhances the public sector enterprise's financial and operational autonomy.
Dunagiri: Advanced Stealth Frigate
Dunagiri, the fifth Project 17A stealth frigate, is equipped with advanced weapons and sensors, including BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles and the medium-range surface-to-air missile system, significantly enhancing the Navy's combat capability.
Sanshodhak: Survey Vessel for Hydrographic Data
Sanshodhak, the fourth survey vessel (large), is designed for coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys and collection of oceanographic and geophysical data for defence and civil applications. It is equipped with an advanced survey system.
Agray: Anti-Submarine Warfare Craft
Agray, the fourth of the Arnala-class ASW-SWC, is equipped with lightweight torpedoes, indigenous rocket launchers, and shallow-water sonar systems. Together, the three ships reflect the Navy's balanced approach to capability development, strengthening blue-water operations, enhancing maritime domain awareness, and securing coastal waters against evolving threats.
