Navy gets 4th Project 17A frigate, `Dunagiri’

Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday launched Y- 3023 Dunagiri, the fourth frigate built under Project 17A by Garden Reach Shipbuilders Limited (GRSE) in Kolkata, on 15 July 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 on the occasion, Rajnath Singh praised the efforts of the Directorate of Naval Design and other Naval teams in realising the nation’s quest for self-reliance with regard to warship building. He 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.

'Dunagiri' would be a world class stealth frigate with multidimensional capabilities to destroy enemies from sea, sky, and underwater, the minister stated.

Speaking about the need to increase our infrastructure and assets in the changing scenario of the world, Rajnath Singh said that economic, political and trade relations between countries are constantly evolving, even as security challenges in the Indian Ocean region and Indo-Pacific are constantly increasing.

In order to achieve the prime minister's vision of 'SAGAR', ie, '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 stays ahead of the curve in dealing with these challenges.

He invoked the brave sons of Bengal, Jatindranath Mukherjee (Baga), Khudiram Bose and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, on the occasion when the country is celebrating 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'and recalled their unforgettable contributions to the nation. 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.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar said while Indian Navy’s primary mandate is to preserve, protect and promote nation’s maritime interests, it also contributes substantially in building the economy of the country. He said the Dunagiri project generated more than 3,000 local employment opportunities. In addition, 29 Indian OEMs along with MSMEs across the country are contributing to this project. Thus, the Navy’s budget has a significant ‘plough-back’ into the economy and towards nation-building. He noted that 88 per cent of Navy’s future contracts amounting to investments of nearly Rs1,75,000 crore are being progressed through Indian enterprises.

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’.