Kolkata, August 17, 2023 – A momentous occasion unfolded today on the banks of the Hooghly River as President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the INS Vindhyagiri at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE). Project 17A by the Indian Navy embodies the nation’s stride towards self-reliance in warship construction being the sixth stealth frigate in Project 17A.
President Murmu conveyed her deep appreciation for the concerted efforts of the Warship Design Bureau and other naval teams, applauding their crucial role in realizing India’s aspiration for autonomous warship building. She appreciated GRSE for their steadfast commitment and vital support in this endeavour.
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This name was after the majestic Vindhyagiri mountain range in Karnataka. The technologically advanced warship is fortified with enhanced stealth capabilities, cutting-edge weaponry, and state-of-the-art sensors as a part of the Project 17A program, a total of seven warships are in progress, with four under the supervision of Mazagon Dock Ltd. (MDL) and three under GRSE’s watchful eyes.
This significant milestone follows the launch of the initial five vessels by MDL and GRSE between 2019 and 2022. The INS Vindhyagiri holds a special place in the lineage of the Project 17A Frigates, paying a fitting homage to its predecessor, the distinguished INS Vindhyagiri of the Leander Class ASW Frigate. The former INS Vindhyagiri had a service record spanning 31 years (July 8, 1981 to June 11, 2012), engaging in challenging missions and international joint exercises.
The freshly introduced INS Vindhyagiri not only symbolizes India’s rich naval heritage but also signifies the nation’s determination to showcase its indigenous defence capabilities.Thereby, this project also establishes a testament to India’s remarkable progress in constructing a self-reliant naval fleet and consecutively the launch of this vessel is of paramount importance concerning the disturbances in the South China Sea.
Project 17A stands as an embodiment of India’s commitment to its ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative. Notably, approximately 75 percent of the equipment and systems orders for Project 17A are sourced from indigenous enterprises, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Moreover these ships not only have indigenous designs in-house by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau but also exemplify the Navy’s prowess in cutting-edge warship design.