Indian Navy Welcomes INS Dunagiri Amid Push for Self-Reliance
The Indian Navy marked a significant achievement in maritime self-reliance with the delivery of _Dunagiri_, the fifth ship of the _Nilgiri_ Class (Project 17A) on March 30, 2026, at Garden Reach Shipbuilding and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) in Kolkata. This delivery represents a major milestone for the Navy in warship design and construction. Designed to tackle both present and future challenges in the maritime environment, the _Dunagiri_ is equipped as a versatile, multi-mission platform.
_Dunagiri_ is not just a new vessel; it carries the legacy of the original INS Dunagiri, a Leander-class frigate that served the Indian Navy proudly from May 5, 1977, until October 10, 2010, completing over 33 years of service. The modern _Dunagiri_ embodies advances in naval design, including enhanced stealth, firepower, automation, and survivability, serving as a proud testament to India’s commitment to _Aatmanirbharta_, or self-reliance, in warship manufacturing.
Advanced Features and Design
Engineered by the Warship Design Bureau and supervised by the Warship Overseeing Team in Kolkata, P17A frigates denote a generational advancement in indigenous ship design. The _Dunagiri_ is built on Integrated Construction principles and was delivered within the planned timeline, showcasing efficient project management.
Compared to its predecessor, the P17 (Shivalik) class, P17A ships feature an upgraded array of weapons and sensor systems. This includes a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system with a diesel engine and a gas turbine for each shaft, coupled with a Controllable Pitch Propeller. The vessel’s formidable weapons suite includes the BrahMos supersonic missile, an MFSTAR radar, MRSAM capabilities, and a combination of close-in weapon systems, ensuring robust anti-submarine warfare readiness with rockets and torpedoes.
Significant Achievements in Shipbuilding
The delivery of _Dunagiri_ marks a notable addition to the Indian Navy’s fleet, being the fifth P17A ship handed over in the last 16 months. Valuable insights from the construction of the first four P17A ships enabled the build period for _Dunagiri_ to be significantly reduced to 80 months, down from the 93 months required for the first ship of the class.
The project has achieved a remarkable indigenisation content of 75%, involving over 200 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and generating employment for approximately 4,000 people directly and over 10,000 indirectly. This delivery not only emphasizes the advancements in design and construction within India but also underscores the Navy’s ongoing commitment to self-sufficiency in shipbuilding.
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