NEW DELHI: In a big boost to India’s naval fleet strength, the Indian Navy is scheduled to commission three indigenously-built frontline platforms – advanced stealth frigate Dunagiri, survey vessel (large) Sanshodhak, and anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft (ASW-SWC) Agray – in Kolkata on Sunday. The landmark ceremony of the commissioning of three ships will be presided over by PM Narendra Modi.Designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, the vessels represent key operational capabilities across maritime combat, hydrographic surveying and anti-submarine warfare. These platforms will bolster India’s blue-water capability, shallow-water anti-submarine operations, and oceanographic surveying.In recognition of India’s leading shipyard’s “consistent financial and physical performance over the years, GRSE was accorded the ‘Navratna’ status on Friday”, an official said in a statement. A ‘Navratna’ status will facilitate the public sector enterprise to make larger investments, enhancing financial and operational autonomy.Together, they reflect the Navy’s balanced approach to capability development, strengthening blue-water operations, enhancing maritime domain awareness, and securing coastal waters against evolving threats, a defence ministry release said.Dunagiri, the fifth Project 17A stealth frigate, is equipped with advanced weapons and sensors, including BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles and the medium-range surface-to-air missile system, significantly enhancing the Navy’s combat capability.Sanshodhak, the fourth survey vessel (large), is designed for coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys and collection of oceanographic and geophysical data for defence and civil applications, and is equipped with advanced survey system.Agray, the fourth of the Arnala-class ASW-SWC, is equipped with lightweight torpedoes, indigenous rocket launchers, and shallow-water sonar systems.
