Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Science & Technology
Why in News?
The Indian Navy received its latest indigenous stealth frigate, INS Dunagiri, under Project 17A, marking a major boost to Aatmanirbharta in warship building.
- INS Dunagiri – It is the fifth stealth frigate under the Nilgiri-class (Project 17A), which marks a major milestone in India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
- It showcases advanced design, stealth, firepower, automation, and survivability, standing as a symbol of Aatmanirbharta in warship building.
- Built by – Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd, Kolkata.
- Designed by – Navy’s Warship Design Bureau & overseen by the Warship Overseeing Team (Kolkata).
- Historical Legacy – Named after the erstwhile INS Dunagiri (Leander‑class frigate) which served in the Indian Navy fleet from 1977–2010.
- Indigenisation – With an indigenisation content of 75%, the project has involved over 200 MSMEs & enabled employment generation of more than 5,000 personnel both directly & indirectly.
Key Features
- Advanced Weapons & Sensors – Fitted with a superior suite compared to the P17 (Shivalik) class.
- Propulsion System – Configured with Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) plants, using diesel engines and gas turbines to drive Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) on each shaft.
- Automation & Crew Efficiency – Equipped with a state-of-the-art Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) to reduce crew workload.
- Combat Capabilities – The platform is equipped with a potent mix of advanced systems, including
- Brahmos missiles, MFSTAR radar, the MRSAM complex,
- A 76mm SRGM, close-in weapon systems (30mm and 12.7mm), and
- Rocket and torpedo capabilities for robust anti-submarine warfare.
- Operational Roles
- It serves as a multi-mission asset capable of air, surface, and sub-surface warfare,
- Enabling blue-water naval operations through sea control and denial strategies,
- Ensuring maritime security, surveillance, fleet escort missions, and providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).
Quick Fact
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Project 17A
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- It is a major Indian Navy initiative to construct seven advanced stealth guided-missile frigates, known as the Nilgiri-class.
- These are versatile multi-mission platforms that represent a generational leap in indigenous shipbuilding, capable of meeting present and future maritime challenges with enhanced combat capability.
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Reference
PIB | INS Dunagiri
