Kolkata, June 17 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to commission three warships, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, into the Indian Navy in Kolkata on June 21.

These include the advanced stealth frigate INS Dunagiri. The other two warships are the Survey Vessel Large (SVL) INS Sanshodhak and INS Agray, an Anti-Submarine Shallow Water Craft (ASWSWC).

The three warships were delivered together to the Navy by GRSE on March 31 this year.

The shipyard has built and delivered a record 118 warships to the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard so far. Of these, 80 have been delivered to the Navy.

INS Dunagiri, the second Advanced Guided-Missile Frigate built by GRSE under Project 17A, represents a significant advancement in indigenous warship design and construction.

Launched on July 15, 2022, by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the warship is among the most sophisticated platforms built by GRSE.

Powered by a combination of diesel engines and gas turbines, it offers superior speed, endurance and operational flexibility.

The 149-metre-long, 6,670-tonne guided-missile frigate is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including advanced missile systems, a modern AESA radar and an integrated combat management system, enabling multi-dimensional operations across air, surface and sub-surface domains.

Armed with BrahMos anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles, along with advanced defence systems, INS Dunagiri represents a significant leap in naval strike and defensive capabilities.

INS Sanshodhak, the last of the four SVLs built by GRSE, represents a key addition to the Navy’s hydrographic and survey capabilities.

Launched on June 13, 2023, the 110-metre-long vessel is equipped with advanced systems for conducting full-scale coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys, including port and harbour approaches, navigation channels and maritime limits.

It is also capable of collecting oceanographic and geographical data for defence applications.

In addition to its primary survey role, the vessel can support helicopter operations, participate in low-intensity combat, function as a hospital ship and undertake Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions.

Powered by marine diesel engines and fitted with bow and stern thrusters for enhanced manoeuvrability at low speeds, the vessel is ideally suited for precise survey operations.

INS Agray is one of the eight ASWSWCs being built by GRSE. It was launched on March 13, 2024.

Measuring about 77.6 metres in length, the warship is designed for operations in coastal waters.

The ASWSWCs are capable of full-scale sub-surface surveillance, search and attack missions, as well as coordinated operations with aircraft.

INS Agray is equipped with a Combat Management System and is armed with lightweight torpedoes and anti-submarine warfare rockets.

With nearly 88 per cent indigenous content, the warship is also fitted with a 30 mm Naval Surface Gun built at GRSE itself, further reinforcing indigenous capabilities.

Engineered for agility and precision, the vessel is powered by marine diesel engines coupled with waterjets, enabling high manoeuvrability.

With a shallow draught of about 2.7 metres, it is ideally suited for operations in littoral waters.

–IANS

jayanta/pgh