In a significant milestone for indigenous warship construction, the Indian Navy has received the stealth frigate INS Dunagiri, the fifth ship of the Nilgiri-class under Project 17A, on March 30, 2026. The vessel was delivered at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited, reinforcing India’s push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
A New Generation Stealth Warship
INS Dunagiri (Yard 3023) is the second Project 17A frigate built at GRSE and represents a major leap in indigenous naval design, incorporating advanced features in:
- Stealth technology
- Combat capability
- Automation and survivability
The warship is a reincarnation of the earlier INS Dunagiri, a Leander-class frigate that served the nation from 1977 to 2010.
Advanced Design and Capabilities
Designed by the Warship Design Bureau, the Project 17A frigates are multi-mission platforms capable of addressing both present and future maritime challenges.
Key features include:
- CODOG propulsion system (Combined Diesel or Gas)
- Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP)
- Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS)
Powerful Weapons and Sensors
INS Dunagiri is equipped with a modern combat suite, including:
- BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles
- MF-STAR radar and MRSAM air defence system
- 76 mm Super Rapid Gun Mount
- Close-in weapon systems (30 mm and 12.7 mm)
- Anti-submarine warfare systems including rockets and torpedoes
Faster Construction and Indigenous Strength
The frigate was completed in 80 months, significantly faster than the first ship of the class, INS Nilgiri, which took 93 months—highlighting improved efficiency in indigenous shipbuilding.
With an indigenisation level of 75%, the project:
- Involved over 200 MSMEs
- Generated employment for around 4,000 personnel directly
- Supported over 10,000 indirect jobs
Strategic Significance
The delivery of INS Dunagiri is the fifth Project 17A ship inducted in the last 16 months, underscoring India’s growing capability in building advanced warships.
Conclusion
The induction of INS Dunagiri marks a major step in strengthening India’s naval power and reflects the Indian Navy’s sustained focus on Aatmanirbhar Bharat, showcasing the nation’s design, engineering, and shipbuilding excellence.
