NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy is set to commission three indigenously built frontline platforms, INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak and INS Agray, at a ceremony in Kolkata on June 21, marking a major milestone in India’s indigenous shipbuilding programme and maritime modernisation efforts.The commissioning ceremony will be presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to an official statement issued by the ministry of defence.
Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, the three platforms are intended to strengthen the Navy’s combat, surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.The vessels collectively enhance India’s ability to conduct blue-water operations, improve maritime domain awareness and secure coastal waters against emerging threats.INS Dunagiri, the fifth stealth frigate under Project 17A, is equipped with advanced weapons and sensors, including BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles and the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile system. The warship is expected to significantly boost the Navy’s combat capabilities.
INS Dunagiri (Image credit: Ministry of defence)
INS Sanshodhak, the fourth Survey Vessel (Large), has been designed to undertake coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys and collect oceanographic and geophysical data for both defence and civilian applications. The vessel is equipped with advanced survey systems, including Autonomous Underwater Vehicles and Remotely Operated Vehicles.
Sanshodhak (Image credit: Ministry of defence)
INS Agray, the fourth vessel of the Arnala-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft programme, has been designed to detect and engage underwater threats in littoral waters. It is armed with lightweight torpedoes, indigenous rocket launchers and shallow-water sonar systems.
INS Agray (Image credit: Ministry of defence)
According to the defence ministry, all three platforms have indigenous content exceeding 75 per cent, underscoring the growing capabilities of India’s domestic defence manufacturing sector.
INS Agray
The construction of the vessels involved extensive participation from Indian industry, including more than 200 micro, small and medium enterprises, generating substantial direct and indirect employment.The commissioning is being viewed as a significant step in advancing the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and reflects the collaborative efforts of the Indian Navy, public sector shipyards, private industry and MSMEs in strengthening India’s maritime capabilities.With the induction of the three platforms, the Navy is expected to further expand its operational reach across combat operations, underwater warfare and maritime surveying missions.
