Indian Navy Receives Major Boost with Triple Warship Delivery in Kolkata
In a significant enhancement of India's maritime prowess, the Indian Navy on Monday took delivery of three advanced warships from Garden Reach Shipbuilding and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) in Kolkata within a single day. This strategic move comes amid growing concerns over China's expanding presence in the Indian Ocean Region, underscoring India's commitment to strengthening its naval capabilities.
Stealth Frigate Dunagiri: A Leap in Naval Technology
The deliveries included the stealth frigate Dunagiri, which is the fifth warship of the Nilgiri class constructed under Project 17A. This marks the fifth such vessel delivered to the Navy over the past 16 months. Launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at GRSE on July 15, 2022, Dunagiri is a formidable 149-meter-long, 6,670-tonne guided-missile frigate.
Equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, it enables multi-dimensional operations across air, surface, and sub-surface domains. An official highlighted that "Dunagiri is armed with BrahMos anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles, along with advanced defence systems, representing a quantum leap in naval strike and defensive capabilities."
Designed by the Warship Design Bureau and overseen by the warship overseeing team in Kolkata, the P17A frigates embody a generational advancement in indigenous ship design, featuring enhanced stealth, survivability, and combat readiness. Lessons from building the first four P17A ships allowed GRSE to compress Dunagiri's construction period to 80 months, down from 93 months for the first-in-class Nilgiri. With an indigenisation content of 75%, the project has engaged over 200 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Anti-Submarine Warfare Ship Agray: Enhancing Coastal Defense
Another key delivery was Agray, the fourth of eight Arnala class anti-submarine warfare shallow water warships (ASW-SWCs). This vessel is set to significantly augment the Navy's capabilities in anti-submarine operations, mine warfare, and coastal surveillance. Agray stands out as one of the largest naval warships in its category, measuring 77 meters in length and propelled by waterjets.
It is fitted with cutting-edge lightweight torpedoes, indigenous rocket launchers, and shallow water SONAR, enabling effective detection and engagement of underwater threats. Aligned with the government's "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" vision, Agray boasts over 80% indigenous content, showcasing India's self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
Survey Vessel Sanshodhak: Advanced Hydrographic Capabilities
The third delivery, Sanshodhak, is a large survey vessel designed for comprehensive coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys. With a displacement of about 3,400 tonnes and an overall length of 110 meters, it is equipped with sophisticated hydrographic equipment, including:
- Data acquisition and processing systems
- Autonomous underwater vehicles
- Remotely operated vehicles
- Differential GPS long-range positioning systems
- Digital side scan sonar
Sanshodhak is part of a contract for four survey vessels (large) signed on October 30, 2018. It follows previous ships of the same class—INS Sandhayak, INS Nirdeshak, and INS Ikshak—commissioned in February 2024, December 2024, and November 2025, respectively. Beyond hydrographic surveys, the ship plays a crucial role in collecting oceanographic and geophysical data for both defense and civilian applications, with an indigenous content exceeding 80% by cost.
GRSE's Expanding Role in Naval Construction
GRSE continues to be a pivotal player in India's naval infrastructure, currently engaged in constructing multiple warships. Its portfolio includes:
- One Project 17A advanced stealth frigate
- Four ASW-SWCs
- Four next-generation offshore patrol vessels
Additionally, the shipyard is building 30 other vessels, of which 13 are export platforms, highlighting its growing international footprint. GRSE is also in advanced stages of finalizing a prestigious contract for the construction of five next-generation corvettes, further cementing its role in bolstering India's maritime defense.
This triple delivery not only underscores India's rapid progress in indigenous warship production but also reinforces the Navy's operational readiness in a strategically vital region. The integration of these advanced vessels is expected to provide a robust deterrent and enhance surveillance capabilities, contributing to national security and regional stability.
