The Indian Navy is set to commission three indigenously built frontline platforms Dunagiri, Sanshodhak and Agray in Kolkata on Sunday marking a significant milestone in India’s maritime capability development.
The commissioning ceremony will be presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), the three vessels are intended to enhance the Navy’s operational capabilities across maritime combat, hydrographic surveying and anti-submarine warfare.
According to the Navy, the platforms reflect a balanced approach to force development by strengthening blue-water operational capabilities, improving maritime domain awareness and enhancing coastal security against emerging threats.
Dunagiri, the fifth stealth frigate under Project 17A, is equipped with advanced weapons and sensor systems, including BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles and the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system. The vessel is expected to significantly enhance the Navy’s combat capabilities.
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 ship is equipped with advanced survey technologies, including Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs).
Agray, the fourth vessel of the Arnala-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft series, is fitted with lightweight torpedoes, indigenous rocket launchers and shallow-water sonar systems. The platform is designed to detect and engage underwater threats in littoral and coastal waters.
The Navy said the three platforms underscore the growing maturity of India’s indigenous shipbuilding ecosystem, with indigenous content exceeding 75 per cent. Their construction involved extensive participation from domestic industry, including more than 200 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), generating substantial direct and indirect employment.
