The Indian Navy on Tuesday released a video showcasing INS Dunagiri, one of its newest Project 17A stealth frigates, highlighting the warship's combat capabilities, advanced sensors, indigenous stealth technology and operational endurance.
In a post accompanying the video on X, the Navy described INS Dunagiri as a platform built for "Precision, Power and Agility", equipped with indigenous stealth features and designed for "multi-dimensional dominance and lethality". The Navy said the vessel represents the next generation of frontline warships being inducted into its fleet.
Key Features of INS Dunagiri
INS Dunagiri is the fifth ship of the Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) frigates and the second vessel of the class to be built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE). The Nilgiri-class ships are advanced successors to the Shivalik-class frigates, featuring improved stealth characteristics, enhanced weapons systems and a more sophisticated sensor suite.
The warship carries forward the legacy of the original INS Dunagiri, a Leander-class frigate that served in the Indian Navy from May 1977 until October 2010, completing 33 years of service.
Indigenous Content and Propulsion
With an indigenous content level of around 75 per cent, the Project 17A programme has involved more than 200 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), making it a significant contributor to India's domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem. Displacing 6,600 tonnes and measuring 149 metres in length, INS Dunagiri is powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system and can achieve speeds of up to 28 knots (around 51 km/h).
Armament and Capabilities
For offensive operations, the frigate is equipped with eight vertical launch system (VLS) cells for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, enabling both anti-ship and land-attack missions. Its air-defence capability includes 32 VLS cells for Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles, supported by two AK-630 close-in weapon systems (CIWS). The ship is also fitted with two triple torpedo launchers for anti-submarine warfare.
INS Dunagiri can operate naval helicopters, including the ALH Dhruv Mk-III and Sea King, significantly extending its surveillance, reconnaissance and strike capabilities.
