Indian Navy is focusing more on strengthening the patrolling of sea waters. It has been incorporating advanced technologically advanced warships in its portfolio of products. INS Vindhyagiri, the sixth warship built as part of Project 17 A (Alpha Frigates), was launched by President Draupadi Murmu in Kolkata. The newly launched warship was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE). Let’s take a look at the features of this warship.
Specialties : The Vindhyagiri warship was developed as part of the Navy’s Project 17 Alpha Frigates (Shiwalik Class). It has better stealth features, advanced weapons, sensors, platform management system. The warship is named after a mountain called Vindhyagiri in Karnataka.
75 percent indigenous knowledge : Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), DMR supplied 249 A-grade HR sheets, plates for Vindhyagiri warship. About 75 percent of the technology for the equipment and systems of the Project 17A warships has been sourced from micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as indigenous firms.
What is Project 17A? : The Government of India has come up with the Atman Nirbhar Bharat Scheme to give importance to indigenous knowledge in all sectors, mainly in the defense sector. As part of that, Project 17A was designed in the defense sector. Vindhyagiri, the sixth warship built as part of this project, will be launched today. Four vessels by Mazagan Dock Limited (MDL) and three more by GRSE are currently under construction. Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau is designing these ships.
A symbol of naval progress : India’s Defense Ministry has responded to the backdrop of Vindhyagiri water intrusion. India is working to increase its indigenous technological capability in the field of defence. This will continue in the future. As part of that, Vindhyagiri stands as a symbol of India’s resolve to embrace its rich naval heritage. It is a fitting testimony to the remarkable progress our country has made in building a sustainable navy.
There are already five water inlets : Five warships INS Nilgiri, Udayagiri, Himagiri, Taragiri and Dunagiri have already been built as part of Project 17A. These were launched between 2019-22. Meanwhile, the old Vindhyagiri served the Indian Navy for almost 31 years from July 8, 1981 to June 11, 2012. As a tribute to this, the President inaugurated the new Vindhyagiri today.