INS Dunagiri Induction under Project 17A
Context
The Indian Navy has inducted its newest indigenous stealth warship, INS Dunagiri, under Project 17A, strengthening India’s self-reliance drive in defence production.
About INS Dunagiri
Identity:
INS Dunagiri is the fifth stealth frigate of the Nilgiri-class under Project 17A, representing a new generation of advanced naval platforms.
Strategic Significance:
It reflects India’s progress in indigenous warship construction with cutting-edge stealth, automation, and survivability features.
Construction Agency:
Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd, a premier defence PSU.
Design Authority:
Conceptualised by the Navy’s in-house Warship Design Bureau with supervision by the Warship Overseeing Team.
Legacy Link:
Carries forward the legacy of the earlier INS Dunagiri (Leander-class), which served from 1977 to 2010.
Indigenous Content:
Achieves nearly 75% indigenisation, involving over 200 MSMEs and generating large-scale employment.
Technological Highlights
Weapon & Sensor Suite:
Equipped with upgraded and more advanced systems than the earlier P17 (Shivalik-class) frigates.
Propulsion Mechanism:
Uses Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) configuration with diesel engines and gas turbines driving controllable pitch propellers.
Automation Systems:
Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) ensures reduced crew workload and enhanced operational efficiency.
Combat Systems:
Features a robust arsenal including:
- BrahMos Missile
- MF-STAR radar system
- MRSAM air defence system
- 76 mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM)
- Close-in weapon systems (30 mm, 12.7 mm)
- Anti-submarine warfare rockets and torpedoes
Operational Utility
Multi-Domain Warfare:
Capable of engaging threats in air, surface, and sub-surface domains.
Blue-Water Capability:
Enhances India’s ability to operate in distant oceans for sea control and sea denial missions.
Maritime Roles:
Supports surveillance, fleet escort, maritime security, and anti-submarine operations.
HADR Support:
Can be deployed for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.
Project 17A – Snapshot
Programme Overview:
Project 17A is a major initiative of the Indian Navy to build seven advanced stealth guided-missile frigates.
Class Name:
These vessels are known as the Nilgiri-class frigates.
Significance:
Represents a generational upgrade over previous frigates with enhanced stealth, automation, and combat capabilities.
Strategic Value:
Strengthens India’s maritime preparedness to tackle emerging security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
Source : PIB