Big fleet expansion: Navy to add 4 made-in-India warships, one survey vessel this month

NEW DELHI: Indian Navy is set to witness significant expansion in its naval fleet this month as it gears up to induct five indigenously-built naval platforms, including two Project 17A stealth frigates, a survey vessel and two anti-submarine warfare crafts. The made-in-India vessels will enhance maritime security, combat readiness and coastal defence.

The upcoming inductions also reflect on India's growing ability to design and construct sophisticated naval assets within the country, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. Of the five platforms scheduled to join the Navy, four have been built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). The fifth vessel, INS Mahendragiri, has been constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).

Once formally commissioned, stealth frigates INS Dunagiri, INS Mahendragiri, Survey Vessel Sanshodhak and anti-submarine warfare shallow water crafts Agray and Malvan will provide the Navy advanced stealth, superior anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, and enhanced ocean surveillance.

Among the most significant additions is INS Dunagiri, a Project 17A stealth frigate built by GRSE. Designed with advanced technology, the warship is equipped with modern sensors, sophisticated weapon systems and network-centric warfare features. INS Mahendragiri is another Project 17A stealth frigate. Both INS Dunagiri and INS Mahendragiri represent a new generation of indigenous warships meant to boost India's maritime power, enhance combat reach, and expand blue-water capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. Both will be equipped with supersonic BrahMos cruise missiles, Barak-8 surface-to-air missile system, powerful MF-STAR AESA radar for early threat detection and tracking, and modern torpedo tubes and rocket launchers.

Survey Vessel (Large) Sanshodhak has been designed to carry out advanced hydrographic surveys and seabed mapping operations. The vessel will play an important role in underwater exploration and maritime domain awareness.

Agray and Malvan are anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft specifically designed to identify, monitor and neutralise hostile submarines operating in shallow coastal waters.

The force currently operates around 130 to 140 vessels and is adding indigenous warships or submarines to its roster every 40 days. The proposed fleet expansion is part of the govt’s vision to build a strong Navy with 200 warships and submarines by 2035. The new inductions will help the Navy increase its maritime footprint to establish dominance in the Indian Ocean Region against the growing presence of the Chinese Navy.