President Murmu to launch frigate ‘Vindhyagiri’ in Kolkata on August 17
President Droupadi Murmu is set to inaugurate the frigate named ‘Vindhyagiri’ on August 17 in Kolkata, according to an announcement by the Indian Navy on August 13. The vessel is part of the Project 17A program and holds significance due to its namesake, the Vindhyagiri mountain range in Karnataka.
The ship, being the sixth in the Project 17A initiative, is scheduled to be launched by President Murmu at the facilities of Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) in Kolkata. This event marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance and modernize the naval capabilities of India.
As part of the broader naval development efforts, the launch of the frigate ‘Vindhyagiri’ highlights India’s commitment to strengthening its maritime defense capabilities and maintaining a robust naval presence in the region. The ceremony underscores the importance of indigenous shipbuilding and technological advancements as India continues to assert its maritime interests and contribute to regional security and stability.
The launch of the technologically advanced frigate ‘Vindhyagiri’ holds a significant meaning and tribute to the legacy of its predecessor, the former INS Vindhyagiri.
The newly christened vessel pays homage to the distinguished service of the original INS Vindhyagiri, which served the Indian Navy for nearly 31 years from July 1981 to June 2012. The old INS Vindhyagiri had been involved in a range of demanding operations and multinational exercises, showcasing its operational prowess and commitment to maritime security.
The newly named Vindhyagiri frigate serves as a symbol of India’s deep-rooted naval heritage while simultaneously reflecting the country’s aspirations to foster indigenous defense capabilities. This transition from the past to the future signifies India’s resolve to combine its rich naval legacy with the pursuit of cutting-edge, homegrown defense technologies.
The statement released by the Indian Navy highlights the importance of continuity and progress within the country’s naval endeavors. As part of the Project 17A program, the construction of technologically advanced frigates underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its maritime prowess and defense capabilities.
The project involves the construction of a total of four ships by Mazagon Dock Ltd (MDL) and three ships by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), further reinforcing India’s emphasis on self-reliance and technological advancement in the field of defense.
The progression of Project 17A has marked a significant milestone in India’s efforts to bolster its naval capabilities and promote indigenous defense production:
1. First Five Ships: The initial five ships under Project 17A were launched by Mazagon Dock Ltd (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) between 2019 and 2022. This initiative signifies a concerted drive towards modernizing and expanding the country’s naval fleet.
2. In-House Design: The Project 17A ships have been meticulously designed in-house by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau. This internal design expertise showcases the Navy’s pioneering efforts and self-reliance in shaping the future of warship design and development.
3. Indigenous Components: A significant aspect of the project is the emphasis on indigenous manufacturing. A substantial 75 percent of equipment and systems orders for Project 17A ships have been placed with domestic firms, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This approach underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance, fostering domestic industries, and reducing dependency on imports.
4. National Progress: The launch of the frigate ‘Vindhyagiri’ serves as a testament to the remarkable strides made by India in establishing a self-reliant and capable naval force. This achievement reflects the nation’s journey towards achieving technological prowess, enhancing defense capabilities, and contributing to a more secure maritime environment.
The successful execution of Project 17A reflects India’s determination to enhance its naval strength while embracing indigenous technologies and expertise. The project not only contributes to strengthening national security but also underscores the nation’s commitment to innovation, self-sufficiency, and technological advancement in the defense sector.
