Vindhyagiri, the sixth Stealth Frigate of
Project 17A being built at GRSE, was launched on 17 August 2023 at the shipyard
by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. CV Ananda Bose, Governor of
West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee Chief Minister of West Bengal, Ajay Bhatt Raksha Rajya Mantri, Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of Naval Staff,
other senior officers from the Indian Navy and MoD, were amongst the several
dignitaries who attended the launch ceremony.
GRSE has
established itself as a reliable partner of the Indian Navy, with a record of
multiple successful conventional launches in the past. Vindhyagiri's launch is yet another milestone in the illustrious
journey of the Shipyard, reflecting its commitment to deliver quality warships.
Following the launch, 'Vindhyagiri' will
join its two sister ships at the Outfitting Jetty at GRSE, to progress
remaining activities and equipment trials, in the run up to their delivery and
commissioning.
Project
17A Frigates are the follow-on class of the Project 17 (Shivalik Class)
Frigates, with improved stealth features, advanced weapons and sensors and
platform management systems. Seven Project 17A Frigates are under various stages
of construction at MDL and GRSE. The design of Advanced Stealth Frigates also
showcases the prowess of the Warship Design Bureau, in designing
technologically advanced warships for the Indian Navy. With the launch, the
Nation's indigenous expertise and engineering capabilities receives a major
boost, reducing India's dependence on foreign suppliers, promoting
self-reliance and fostering a robust defence industrial base. Over 75% of the
orders of Project 17A, have been placed on indigenous firms including MSMEs,
keeping in line with the Government's vision of 'Aatma Nirbhar Bharat'.
Economic development, employment generation, growth of MSMEs and ancillary
industry in the country, are positive spin offs of the shipbuilding project.
During the event, the President of India conveyed her
profound satisfaction and heartfelt appreciation for the remarkable
achievements of the Warship Design Bureau and other Naval Teams, for fulfilling
the nation's aspiration of self-reliance in warship building. She also lauded
GRSE for its unwavering commitment and steadfast support to warship production.
The shipyard effort, has significantly enabled the Indian Navy to successfully
execute its ship induction plan and emerge as a formidable force in the Indian
Ocean Region.
