Kolkata: President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the latest warship of India, ‘INS Vindhyagiri’, at the facility of Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) located on the Hooghly River banks in Kolkata, West Bengal.
M/s GRSE has established itself as a trusted partner of the Indian Navy, demonstrating a track record of numerous successful conventional launches in the past. The recent launch of ‘Vindhyagiri’ marks yet another significant milestone in the Shipyard’s remarkable journey, underscoring its unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality warships. Following the launch, ‘Vindhyagiri’ will join its two sister ships at the Outfitting Jetty at GRSE, where further activities and equipment trials will be conducted in preparation for their eventual delivery and commissioning.
Key Features:
- The Project 17A Frigates serve as the successor to the Project 17 (Shivalik Class) Frigates.
- It featured enhanced stealth capabilities, advanced weaponry and sensors, as well as improved platform management systems.
- Seven Project 17A Frigates are currently at different stages of construction at MDL and GRSE.
- The design of the Advanced Stealth Frigates also exemplifies the expertise of the Warship Design Bureau in developing technologically advanced warships for the Indian Navy.
Nation’s engineering capabilities receiving major boost:
- With the launch, India’s expertise and engineering capabilities receive a significant boost, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers, promoting self-sufficiency, and nurturing a strong defence industrial base.
- Over 75% of the orders for Project 17A have been placed with indigenous firms, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), aligning with the Government’s vision of promoting Aatma Nirbhar Bharat.
- This shipbuilding project not only contributes to economic development and employment generation but also fosters the growth of MSMEs and ancillary industries in the country.
During the event, the President of India expressed her deep satisfaction and heartfelt appreciation for the remarkable achievements of the Warship Design Bureau and other Naval Teams, who have successfully fulfilled the nation’s ambition of becoming self-reliant in warship building.
She also commended GRSE for their unwavering dedication and constant support in the production of warships. The efforts of the shipyard have greatly facilitated the Indian Navy in effectively implementing its ship induction plan and establishing a formidable presence in the Indian Ocean Region.
