Indian Navy Bolsters Fleet with New Warships
In a significant boost to its maritime capabilities, the Indian Navy received three new vessels in a single-day handover from Garden Reach Shipbuilding and Engineers Ltd (GRSE). This delivery, which took place on Monday, includes the stealth-guided-missile frigate Dunagiri, the anti-submarine warfare craft Agray, and the large survey vessel Sanshodhak. This move comes amid increasing Chinese activity in the Indian Ocean Region, highlighting India’s commitment to strengthening its naval presence.
Details of the New Additions
The centerpiece of this delivery is the Dunagiri, a state-of-the-art frigate that is part of the Project 17A initiative. This vessel is the fifth of its class to be delivered in the last 16 months, showcasing the Indian Navy’s ongoing modernization efforts. Measuring 149 meters in length and weighing 6,670 tonnes, the Dunagiri is equipped with advanced weaponry and sensors, enabling it to operate effectively across air, surface, and sub-surface domains. Notably, it features BrahMos missile systems, which significantly enhance its strike capabilities and defensive measures.
Designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, the Project 17A class represents a major advancement in stealth technology, survivability, and combat effectiveness. The construction of Dunagiri was completed in just 80 months, a notable improvement compared to the 93 months required for the lead ship of the class. With approximately 75% of its components sourced domestically, this project has also involved over 200 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), reinforcing India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
The Agray, the second vessel delivered, is an anti-submarine warfare shallow-water craft designed for coastal defense and mine warfare. This 77-meter vessel is powered by waterjets and is equipped with lightweight torpedoes, indigenous rocket launchers, and advanced sonar systems for detecting underwater threats. With over 80% indigenous content, the Agray exemplifies the government’s commitment to enhancing domestic defense capabilities.
New Outfitting Pier Bolsters Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy
Survey Vessel Enhances Operational Capabilities
The third vessel, Sanshodhak, is a 110-meter-long survey ship with a displacement of approximately 3,400 tonnes. It is outfitted with cutting-edge hydrographic and oceanographic systems, including autonomous underwater vehicles and digital side-scan sonar. This vessel will play a crucial role in conducting coastal and deep-water surveys, mapping navigational channels, and gathering geophysical data for both military and civilian applications.
Sanshodhak is the fourth in a series of survey vessels contracted in 2018, following the successful induction of INS Sandhayak, INS Nirdeshak, and INS Ikshak. Like its predecessors, it boasts over 80% indigenous content, further contributing to India’s defense self-sufficiency.
This triple delivery underscores the expanding production capacity of GRSE, which is currently engaged in building multiple naval platforms, including additional Project 17A frigates and next-generation offshore patrol vessels. The shipyard is also seeing a growing export order book, reflecting India’s increasing role in global maritime security.
