New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched Dunagiri, a Project 17A frigate into the Hooghly river at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited, Kolkata on July 15, 2022.
CNS Admiral R Hari Kumar, Vice Admiral B Dasgupta, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, Lt Gen RP Kalita, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition, Cmde PR Hari (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director, Garden Reach and Engineers Ltd were present at the launch event.
Christened after a mountain range in the state of Uttarakhand, ‘Dunagiri’ is the fourth ship of P17A frigates. These are follow-on of the P17 frigates (Shivalik Class) with improved stealth features, advanced weapons and sensors and platform management systems. ‘Dunagiri’ is the reincarnation of the erstwhile ‘Dunagiri’, the Leander Class ASW frigate, which in her 33 years of service from May 5, 1977 to October 20, 2010, had witnessed various challenging operations and multinational exercises. The soul of a ship lives eternally and finds a suitable ship.
CNS Admiral Hari Kumar in his address said,…. the Leander or the ‘Giri’ Class was a symbol of national pride, marking the beginning of our determined journey towards becoming a ‘Builders Navy’. Nearly five decades later, the launch of the new ‘Giri’ is a shining milestone, as it marks our coming of age in building Stealth Ships.
The first two ships of P17A Project, were launched in 2019 and 2020 at MDL and GRSE respectively. The third ship (Udaygiri) was launched at MDL on May 17, 2022 earlier this year. The launch of the fourth ship within such a short span is a testimony to the impetus provided towards self-reliant shipbuilding with a focused approach.
“With enhanced stealth characteristics and indigenous weapon fit, the P17A ships will further the capability of our Fleet. These ships will be versatile and powerful platforms, and support the larger national vision, as well as ensure safe, secure and prosperous global commons for all.
…Launching of the fourth ship of next gen Project P17A, within a period of three years, cements India’s status in an elite group of nations having the capability to build such large and sophisticated warships.
…while the Indian Navy’s primary mandate is to preserve, protect and promote our maritime interests, we also contribute substantially in Nation Building,” said CNS Admiral Hari Kumar.
In his address, CNS Admiral Hari Kumar also highlighted that Indian Navy’s efforts are multi sectorial and a major contribution in this endeavour is its steadfast commitment to Atmanirbharta. He also mentioned that 88% of the future contracts on cost basis, amounting to investments of nearly Rs 1,75,000 crore, are being progressed through Indian enterprises.
P17A ships have been designed in-house by Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design (DND), which has successfully spear-headed design of numerous class of indigenous warships in the past. This is a testimony of nation’s unwavering efforts towards ‘AatmaNirbharata’ as 75% of the orders for equipment & system are also being placed on indigenous firms including.
CNS Admiral Hari Kumar congratulated the CMD, his staff, and all workers of GRSE; Director General Naval Design, Warship Production Superintendent and their teams, for a commendable effort in achieving this critical milestone.
