The Indian Navy has officially unveiled the crest of INS Dunagiri, the fifth stealth frigate of the Project 17A class, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE). This crest symbolizes the warship's role as a multi-domain combat platform capable of projecting power across land, sea, and air.
Crest Design and Motto
The crest features a Himalayan osprey soaring above a mountain peak, embodying precision, vigilance, and dominance. Guided by the motto "Victory is My Profession," the frigate draws its name and spirit from the Himalayan peak Dunagiri. It carries forward the legacy of the erstwhile INS Dunagiri, a Leander-class frigate commissioned in 1977. The new warship, along with its sister ship INS Mahendragiri, is scheduled to be commissioned later this month.
Project 17A Class Overview
Project 17A frigates continue the Navy's tradition of naming frontline warships after mountain ranges, following the Nilgiri-class lineage. Constructed using advanced integrated modular construction techniques, the class represents a major leap in indigenous warship design, automation, and combat capability. These frigates are designed to operate in multi-threat environments and can engage targets across all domains.
Offensive and Defensive Armament
At the heart of Dunagiri's offensive punch are eight vertically launched BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, providing formidable anti-surface strike capability. For air defence, the frigate is equipped with 32 Barak-8 long-range surface-to-air missiles capable of engaging fighter aircraft, drones, helicopters, and incoming missiles at extended ranges. Close-range protection is ensured by AK-630 close-in weapon systems, upgraded OTO Melara 76 mm naval guns, and remotely operated 12.7 mm machine guns, creating a layered shield against aerial and missile threats.
Anti-Submarine Warfare Capabilities
In the anti-submarine warfare role, Dunagiri carries TAL Shyena lightweight torpedoes launched from triple-tube torpedo launchers and indigenously developed RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers. The warship can also operate a naval helicopter, including the ALH Dhruv Mk-III or Sea King, significantly extending its surveillance and strike reach.
Sensors and Electronic Warfare
The frigate integrates a suite of advanced sensors and electronic warfare systems. These include the EL/M-2248 MF-STAR AESA radar offering 360-degree surveillance at ranges exceeding 400 km, the Indra LTR-25 Lanza radar for long-range air tracking, and the BEL HUMSA-NG sonar for underwater detection. Its Shakti electronic warfare suite enhances survivability against hostile radars and anti-ship missiles.
Propulsion System
Powering the vessel is a Combined Diesel and Gas (CODAG) propulsion system comprising GE LM2500 gas turbines and MAN diesel engines, enabling the frigate to combine high speed with long-endurance deployments. This propulsion system allows the warship to operate effectively in diverse maritime environments.
The unveiling of the crest marks a significant milestone ahead of the frigate's commissioning, underscoring the Indian Navy's commitment to enhancing its maritime capabilities with indigenous technology and advanced combat systems.
