Vindhyagiria Project 17A frigate, to be launched by the Honorable President of India SmtDroupadi Murmu, at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited, Calcutta on 17 Aug 23.
Vindhyagiri, named after the Karnataka mountain range, is the sixth ship of the Project 17A frigates. These warships are the sequel to the Project 17-class (Shivalik-class) frigates, with improved stealth characteristics, advanced weapons and sensors, and deck management systems. ‘Vindhyagiri’a technologically advanced frigate, she pays a fitting tribute to the illustrious service of her predecessorthe former INS Vindhyagiri, the Leander-class ASW frigate. The old Vindhyagiriin her nearly 31 years of service from 8 July 81 to 11 June 12, she had seen various demanding operations and multinational exercises. The newly baptized Vindhyagiri it stands as a symbol of India’s determination to embrace its rich naval heritage as it moves towards a future of indigenous defense capabilities.
Under the Project 17A programme, a total of four vessels of M/s MDL and three vessels of M/s GRSE are under construction. The first five vessels of the project were launched by MDL and GRSE, between 2019 and 2022.
Project 17A ships were designed in-house by the Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy, the pioneering organization for all warship design activities. In line with the country’s resolute commitment a ‘AtmaNirbharta’, a substantial 75 percent of Project 17A vessel equipment and systems orders come from local businesses, including micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The launch of Vindhyagiriit is a fitting testament to the incredible progress our nation has made in building a self-sustaining naval force.
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VM/PS
