Kolkata, June 19: The Indian Navy is set to enhance its maritime strength by incorporating more indigenous warships into its fleet. A significant event is scheduled for June 21, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially induct three new warships into the Navy in a single ceremony.
The induction will take place at a special event held at the Syama Prasad Mukherjee Port in Kolkata. The three warships include the guided missile frigate Dunagiri, the anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft Agreh, and the large survey vessel “Sanshodhak.” This is not the first time that three warships are being inducted on the same day; a similar event occurred on January 15, 2025, when the INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vaghsheer were added to the Navy’s fleet in the presence of PM Modi in Mumbai.
Earlier this year, on March 30, the fifth guided stealth frigate, Dunagiri, was handed over to the Indian Navy by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) under Project 17A. Dunagiri is a modern version of the previous INS Dunagiri, which was a Leander-class frigate and served from May 5, 1977, until October 10, 2010.
This new addition is the fifth warship in the P17A category delivered to the Indian Navy within 16 months. The construction time for this ship was reduced from 93 months to 80 months based on the experiences gained from building the first four vessels.
Under Project 17A, a total of seven Nilgiri-class frigates are being constructed. The first, INS Nilgiri, was inducted in January 2025, followed by INS Himalay and INS Udaygiri. INS Taragiri joined the fleet in March 2026, and now it is Dunagiri’s turn. All these frigates are equipped with the BrahMos missile system, known for its effectiveness in anti-ship and anti-surface warfare. Additionally, these warships feature the Barak-8 long-range surface-to-air missile, indigenous torpedo ‘Varunastra,’ anti-submarine rocket launchers, modern sonar systems, combat management systems, and multi-function radar. The frigate is capable of detecting and neutralizing enemy attacks, with approximately 75% of its equipment being indigenous. The design was developed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, and it weighs 6,700 tons, achieving a maximum speed of 30 knots.
To effectively counter enemy submarines, the Indian Navy initiated the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) shallow water craft project. In 2019, a contract was awarded for the construction of 16 warships, with eight being built at Cochin Shipyard and eight at GRSE. The Agreh, constructed under this project, is also being inducted into the Navy. Previously, INS Arnala, INS Androth, INS Mahe, and INS Anjadip were added to the fleet. This craft is equipped with anti-submarine rocket launchers, lightweight torpedoes, a 30 mm naval gun, hull-mounted sonar, and variable depth sonar. It can operate at a speed of 25 knots and cover a distance of approximately 3,300 kilometers, capable of detecting enemy submarines up to 100 to 150 nautical miles in coastal areas.
Modern survey vessels play a crucial role in understanding underwater conditions and conducting hydrographic surveys. These surveys are essential for preparing maritime charts for safe navigation. The Indian Navy awarded a contract for the construction of four large survey vessels on October 30, 2018. INS Sandhyak and INS Director were inducted into the Navy in 2024, while INS Ikshak is set to join in 2025. Now, the fourth and final large survey vessel, Sanshodhak, is about to be inducted. Although the sea surface may appear calm, various threats exist beneath it. Sudden changes in sea depth and continuous alterations in the seabed due to tsunamis and other natural events pose risks. Accurate hydrographic charts are necessary for safe navigation, which these survey vessels prepare.
Sanshodhak’s features include scanning the seabed, preparing maritime charts for safe navigation, and conducting hydrographic surveys. More than 80% of the materials used in this vessel are indigenous. It was designed by the Indian Navy’s Naval Design Bureau. Measuring 110 meters in length and weighing approximately 3,800 tons, this vessel is powered by two diesel engines. It can remain at sea for over 25 days, with a maximum speed of 18 knots. After joining the Indian Navy, Sanshodhak will play a vital role in ensuring maritime security, mapping maritime areas, and facilitating safe navigation.
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