To strengthen India's power, President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday (August 17) will launch the third advanced stealth frigate 'Vindhyagiri' in Kolkata. Named after the mountain range in Karnataka, Vindhyagiri is built by Defence PSU GRSE for the Indian Navy. It is the sixth of seven ships under Project 17A and currently is being readied on a war footing for its launch.
The ship that will be launched by the President pays tribute to the distinguished service of its predecessor 'INS Vindhyagiri'. After the launch, Vindhyagiri will undergo fitting out of various components, including armaments. Moreover, extensive trials of the ship will be carried out before handing over to the Indian Navy.
Most of the orders from Indigenous firms
Indian Navy had said that Indigenous firms, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) were approached for 75 per cent of orders for equipment and systems of P17A ships.
Features of Vindhyagiri
The warship 'Vindhyagiri' has improved stealth features, advanced weapons and sensors and platform management systems. It is a follow-on of the Shivalik class Project 17 frigates. The Indian Navy had said that the ship is a symbol of India's determination to embrace its rich naval heritage, while propelling itself towards a future of indigenous defence capabilities.
P17A programme
Frigates under the Project 17A programme are the follow-on from the Project 17 Class Frigates. These are the advanced warships with improved stealth features, advanced weapons and sensors and platform management systems. The first five ships under the Project 17A programme were launched by the MDL and GRSE between 2019 and 2022. Moreover, a total of four ships by Mazagon Dock Ltd (MDL) and three ships by GRSE are under construction. The Navy had informed that the ships under the Project 17A have been designed in-house by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau.
