The Indian Navy on Monday inducted three vessels — a stealth guided-missile frigate, an anti-submarine warfare ship and a large survey vessel — in a single day, marking a significant expansion of its operational and surveillance capabilities.
The deliveries were made by Garden Reach Shipbuilding and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) in Kolkata, highlighting India’s continued push towards indigenous naval production.
The most advanced of the three, INS Dunagiri, is a 149-metre-long guided-missile frigate built under Project 17A. It is the fifth vessel of the Nilgiri-class delivered over the past 16 months. Equipped with BrahMos cruise missiles and modern defence systems, the frigate is designed for multi-dimensional operations across air, surface and sub-surface domains.
Defence officials said the platform represents a major leap in India’s naval strike and defensive capabilities, with improved stealth, survivability and combat performance. The vessel was launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in July 2022.
The second vessel, INS Agray, is part of the Arnala-class anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft programme. Measuring 77 metres in length, it is equipped with lightweight torpedoes, indigenous rocket launchers and advanced sonar systems, enhancing the Navy’s ability to detect and counter underwater threats in coastal areas.
The third vessel, INS Sanshodhak, is a large survey ship designed for hydrographic operations in both coastal and deep waters. The 110-metre vessel is fitted with advanced equipment, including autonomous underwater vehicles, remotely operated vehicles and digital sonar systems. It will support navigation safety, port development and oceanographic data collection for both defence and civilian use.
Indian officials noted that all three platforms feature high levels of indigenous content — exceeding 75 percent in the case of Dunagiri and over 80 percent for Agray and Sanshodhak — involving extensive participation from domestic industries, including hundreds of micro, small and medium enterprises.
The latest inductions come as India accelerates efforts to modernise its naval fleet and strengthen maritime security across the Indian Ocean region. Analysts say such capabilities are increasingly critical amid evolving regional dynamics, including rising submarine activity and the need for enhanced coastal surveillance.
GRSE is currently engaged in building multiple warships, including additional stealth frigates, anti-submarine vessels and offshore patrol vessels, alongside export platforms, as India expands its footprint in global shipbuilding. (Source: TOI)
