Shri Rajnath Singh, the Union Defence Minister on 15 July 2022 launched Y-3023 Dunagiri, Project 17A frigate built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders Limited (GRSE) in Kolkata. Admiral R. Hari Kumar, Chief of Naval Staff, and other senior officers from the Indian Navy and the Ministry of Defence attended the ceremony.
Important Points:
- With improved stealth features, advanced weapons and sensors and platform management systems, these Frigates are a follow-on class of the P17 (Shivalik Class) Frigates.
- Seven P17A Frigates are under construction at Mazagaon Dock Ltd (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).
- In realizing the Nation’s quest for self-reliance with regard to warship building the minister praised the efforts of the Directorate of Naval Design and other Naval Teams besides commending GRSE for its magnanimous support in the field of ship production.
- He said ‘Dunagiri’ would be a world-class stealth frigate with multidimensional capabilities to destroy enemies from sea, sky, and underwater.
Need to increase the infrastructure:
- Security challenges in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean are constantly increasing.
- To protect, preserve and promote India’s national maritime interests, the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and other organisations have to increase the infrastructure and assets.
- It will also achieve the Prime Minister’s Vision of ‘SAGAR’ — ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’.
More Information:
- The minister recalled the brave sons of Bengal Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Jatindranath Mukherjee, Khudiram Bose.
- He praised the role of brave women from Bengal, Begum Rukaiah, Bina Das and many others.
- He also mentioned their unforgettable contributions to the nation when our country is celebrating the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.
Did you know:
- The Dunagiri project generated more than 3000 local employment opportunities.
- 29 Indian OEMs (Original equipment manufacturer) along with MSMEs (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises) across the country are contributing to this project.
- 88% of Navy’s future contracts amounting to investments of nearly Rs 1,75,000 Crore are being progressed through Indian Enterprises.
About GRSE:
- Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal.
- Chairman and MD: Cmde PR Hari.
- Founded: 1884; 138 years ago
About MDL:
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- Chairman and MD: Narayan Prasad.
- Founded: 1934.