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The Indian Navy will commission three frontline platforms, Dunagiri, Sanshodhak and Agray, at a ceremony in Kolkata on June 21 in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Built by Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), the three vessels represent distinct operational capabilities, ranging from combat operations to hydrographic surveys and anti-submarine warfare, underlining the Navy’s push towards a balanced, mission-ready force structure.
Dunagiri, the fifth stealth frigate under the Project 17A programme, is among the most sophisticated warships produced in the country. Equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system, the frigate is designed to engage air, surface and sub-surface threats while maintaining a low radar signature.
The induction of the frigate is expected to bolster the Navy’s blue-water capabilities, particularly for sustained deployments in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.
Sanshodhak, the fourth vessel in the Survey Vessel (Large) class, will enhance the Navy’s hydrographic and oceanographic survey capabilities. Designed for operations in both coastal and deep-sea waters, the ship is equipped with advanced survey systems, including Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs).
The vessel will undertake seabed mapping, hydrographic surveys and oceanographic studies, providing critical data for navigation, maritime infrastructure development and naval operations.
Agray, the fourth vessel of the Arnala-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft programme, has been built to strengthen coastal anti-submarine defences. Tailored for operations in littoral waters, the platform is fitted with shallow-water sonar systems, lightweight torpedoes, and indigenous rocket launchers to detect and neutralise underwater threats along India’s coastline.
Naval officials said the commissioning of the three ships reflects the growing maturity of India’s shipbuilding ecosystem and the increasing role of the domestic industry in meeting the Navy’s operational requirements. More than 75 per cent of indigenous content has been incorporated in the platforms, with over 200 micro, small and medium enterprises contributing to their construction.
The simultaneous induction of a stealth frigate, a survey vessel, and an anti-submarine warfare craft is being seen as a demonstration of the Navy’s emphasis on developing a versatile fleet capable of addressing conventional threats, safeguarding sea lines of communication, and supporting scientific and hydrographic missions in India’s expanding maritime domain.
Team BharatShakti
