INS Vindhya Giri, On Thursday, an advanced stealth frigate, was launched by President Droupadi Murmu at the facility of Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) on the banks of River Hooghly in Kolkata. The launch ceremony was attended by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Governor SCV Ananda Bose, Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, and other senior officials.
The sixth stealth frigate built under Project 17A at GRSE, INS Vindhya Giri, will be joined by its two sister ships at the outfitting jetty at GRSE after the launch. These ships will undergo further activities and equipment trials as they move towards delivery and commissioning.
Project 17A Frigates are an upgraded version of the Project 17 (Shivalik Class) Frigates, incorporating enhanced stealth features, advanced weapons and sensors, and improved platform management systems. Project 17A seven Frigates are being built in various phases at GRSE and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).
Defence Ministry officials believe that the launch of INS Vindhya Giri will strengthen India’s defence industrial base, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and promoting self-reliance. This initiative aligns with the ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) vision of the Narendra Modi-led union government. Over 75 percent of Project 17A orders have been placed with indigenous firms, including MSMEs and ancillary industries in the country.
The Kolkata-based warship maker was contracted to build three stealth frigates for the Navy under this project, with INS Vindhya Giri being the third and final one. This state-of-the-art ship will undergo comprehensive trials and be equipped with the latest technology before being handed over to the Indian Navy for commissioning into service.
During the event, President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the significance of INS Vindhya Giri and expressed hope that as the ship touches the waters of the Hooghly for the first time, it draws strength from the mountains it is named after. The ship is expected to sail with unwavering determination, upholding cherished values.
