INS Vindhyagiri, a significant addition to India’s naval capabilities, is set to be launched by President Droupadi Murmu at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) in Kolkata. Here are the key details about the launch and the INS Vindhyagiri:
Launch Event
The launch of INS Vindhyagiri is scheduled to take place in Kolkata, with President Droupadi Murmu presiding over the event.
The event also includes the launch of the ‘My Bengal, Addiction Free Bengal’ Campaign under the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ organized by Brahma Kumaris at Raj Bhavan, Kolkata.
Project 17A Program
INS Vindhyagiri is the sixth ship of the Project 17A program.
Project 17A ships are follow-ons of the Project 17 Class Frigates (Shivalik Class) and come with enhanced stealth features, advanced weaponry, sensors, and platform management systems.
Tribute to Predecessor
The ship is named after the mountain range in Karnataka and pays tribute to its predecessor, the erstwhile INS Vindhyagiri, a Leander Class ASW Frigate.
The old INS Vindhyagiri served for nearly 31 years, taking part in various challenging operations and multinational exercises.
Indigenous Design and Construction
INS Vindhyagiri is designed under the Project 17A program by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, showcasing India’s capability in indigenous warship design.
The shipbuilding efforts are a reflection of India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defense capabilities.
Project Progress
The Project 17A program involves the construction of four ships by Mazagon Dock Ltd (MDL) and three ships by GRSE.
The first five ships of the project were launched by MDL and GRSE between 2019 and 2022.
Indigenous Equipment and Systems
The Project 17A program highlights the participation of indigenous firms, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), with 75% of equipment and systems orders coming from domestic sources.
Symbol of Progress
INS Vindhyagiri’s launch symbolizes India’s progress in building a self-reliant and advanced naval force.
In summary, the launch of INS Vindhyagiri marks a significant achievement in India’s naval capabilities, showcasing the nation’s commitment to self-reliance, advanced technology, and strengthening its defense infrastructure.
