NEW DELHI: In a significant enhancement of India's naval fleet strength, the Indian Navy will commission three indigenously-built frontline platforms on Sunday in Kolkata. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will preside over the landmark ceremony, which includes the advanced stealth frigate Dunagiri, the survey vessel (large) Sanshodhak, and the anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft (ASW-SWC) Agray.
Indigenous Design and Construction
Designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, these vessels represent key operational capabilities across maritime combat, hydrographic surveying, and anti-submarine warfare. The platforms will bolster India's blue-water capability, shallow-water anti-submarine operations, and oceanographic surveying.
Together, they reflect the Navy's balanced approach to capability development, strengthening blue-water operations, enhancing maritime domain awareness, and securing coastal waters against evolving threats, according to a defence ministry release.
Dunagiri: Advanced Stealth Frigate
Dunagiri is the fifth Project 17A stealth frigate. It 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 the collection of oceanographic and geophysical data for defence and civil applications. It is equipped with advanced survey systems, including autonomous underwater vehicles and remotely operated vehicles.
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 to detect and engage underwater threats in littoral waters.
Boost to Indigenous Shipbuilding
The three platforms demonstrate the growing maturity of India's indigenous shipbuilding ecosystem, with indigenous content exceeding 75%. Their construction involved extensive participation by Indian industry, including more than 200 MSMEs, and generated substantial direct and indirect employment.
