The P17A ships are guided missile frigates that are each 149 metres long, weigh around 6,670 tonnes, and have a top speed of 28 knots, corresponding to a GRSE spokesperson.
On Thursday morning, Murmu landed in Kolkata to formally launch the modern stealth frigate for the Indian Navy. In Kolkata, West Bengal, at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) facility on the banks of the Hooghly River, President Murmu unveiled the newest warship for India, the “INS Vindhyagiri”.
What is Vindhyagiri Frigate?
Vindhyagiri, the sixth ship of the Project 17A Frigates, is named after a mountain range in the Indian state of Karnataka. Before being sent to the Indian Navy for commissioning into service, the cutting-edge ship will be outfitted with the newest technology and put through rigorous trials, according to officials with knowledge of the situation.
According to a GRSE spokesman, P17A ships are guided missile frigates that are each 149 metres long, with a displacement of roughly 6,670 tonnes, and travel at a speed of 28 knots. According to the defence ministry, these warships are advancements of the Shivalik class Project 17 frigates with better stealth features. These warships also include cutting-edge armaments and sensors, and platform management systems. Capable of eliminating threats from the surface, the air, and below ground.
Additionally, the sixth ship being constructed by Defence PSU GRSE for the Indian Navy is called Vindhyagiri. During 2019 and 2022, the initial five ships in the project went operational. Since taking office as president last year, Murmu has made two trips to West Bengal.
Role in Indian Navy
The recent Vindhyagiri serves as a representation of India’s will to honour its illustrious naval past. Vindhyagiri advancing towards a future of homegrown defence capabilities. The debut of the cutting-edge ship is a fitting demonstration of the outstanding progress made by our country in developing an independent naval force.
According to sources, stealth construction techniques are employed to make ships harder for radar, sonar, and infrared sensors to detect. India has strategically placed a high emphasis on its marine capabilities. Further, response to the increasing dangers posed by China which is assertive in the Indo-Pacific region.
Although there are diplomatic issues along the land borders, China has expansionist ambitions that extend into the Indian Ocean. China’s navy actively aids Pakistan in building a strong maritime force to counter India’s posture in the Arabian Sea with its fearsome 355 warships and submarines. In addition, India is responding by stationing aircraft carriers, warships and more than 35 planes to show its ability to project strength.
Seven Frigates from Project 17 Alpha ( P17A)
In 2019, Project 17 Alpha Frigates (P-17A) were introduced by the Indian Navy. Six stealth guided-missile frigates are to be built for the Indian armed forces as part of the undertaking. Frigates are now being carried out by two businesses, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL). Lastly, for India to advance in improving its naval capabilities, the concept of stealth is essential.
