New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the efforts of Directorate of Naval Design and other Naval Teams in realising the Nation’s quest for self-reliance with regard to warship building.
Speaking at the launch event in Kolkata, Defence Minister also commended GRSE for its unstinted support in the field of ship production despite various challenges and helping Indian Navy realise its ship induction plan. He said that ‘Dunagiri’ would be a world class stealth frigate with multidimensional capabilities to destroy enemies from sea, sky, and underwater.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched Y- 3023 Dunagiri, Project 17A frigate built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders Limited (GRSE) in Kolkata on July 15, 2022. Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of Naval Staff, and other senior officers from Indian Navy and Ministry of Defence were amongst the dignitaries who attended the ceremony.
P17A Frigates are follow-on class of the P17 (Shivalik Class) Frigates with improved stealth features, advanced weapons and sensors and platform management systems. Seven P17A Frigates are under various stages of construction at Mazagaon Dock Limited (MDL) and GRSE.
Speaking about the need to increase infrastructure and assets in the changing scenario of the world, Defence Minister Singh said that economic, political and trade relations between countries are constantly evolving. Security challenges in the Indian Ocean region and Indo-Pacific are constantly increasing. In order to achieve the Prime Minister’s Vision of ‘SAGAR’, i.e. ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’ and to protect, preserve and promote India’s National Maritime Interests, Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and other organisations have to increase the infrastructure and assets so that the country stay ahead of the curve in dealing with these challenges.
The minister recalled the brave sons of Bengal, Jatindranath Mukherjee (Baga), Khudiram Bose and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, on the occasion and mentioned their unforgettable contributions to the Nation when our country is celebrating the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. He also praised the role of brave women from Bengal, Begum Rukaiah, Bina Das and many others, who brought laurels not only to Bengal but to the whole country.
Kala Hari Kumar, President, Navy Wives Welfare Association (NWWA) performed the traditional honours and named the ship Dunagiri. The ship received a thunderous cheer from the jubilant gathering as she embraced the welcoming waters of the `River Hooghly.
