Three new ships have joined the Indian Navy’s fleet since they were constructed entirely in India: INS Dunagiri (a multi-purpose frigate), INS Sanshodhak (a hydrographic survey vessel), and INS Agray (a long-range patrol craft). These ships greatly improve India’s naval capacity as a result of being placed in service during a ceremony presided over by PM Narendra Modi on October 22, 2009, in Kolkata. While the commissioning of these vessels is significant for the Indian Navy because it adds three additional ships to its fleet, possibly the most important aspect about the three additional ships is that they each have a unique operational function and thereby add a layer to the Indian Navy’s maritime defense capabilities.
The addition of the vessels therefore increases the Indian Navy’s ability to conduct blue-water combat operations, maintain maritime domain awareness, and provide coastal security. Thus, the induction of these three ships is part of a larger strategy to enhance India’s position in the increasingly contested Indian Ocean region. Collectively, the new ships will thus enhance India’s ability to deter aggression and improve operational readiness.
Three ships designed for three different missions
The most formidable of the three Navy ships is [INS Dunagiri (project 17A)]. The stealth frigate features BrahMos missiles, advanced radar and sonar systems, and equipment for electronic warfare, allowing it to operate over long distances in the ocean’s deep water. The INS Dunagiri will be able to conduct air defence, anti-surface and anti-submarine missions while providing protective service to high-value naval assets.
On the other hand, [INS Sanshodhak] is a completely different type of ship with an entirely different mission. The large survey vessel will be used primarily for mapping the sea floor, measuring ocean depth, and collecting other information about both the ocean and oceanic activities, including hydrographic and oceanographic data; this information will be used in support of naval operations, for submarine navigation, and to provide the necessary data for developing ports and increasing maritime safety. Thus, the INS Sanshodhak will provide valuable information that can be used for both military and civilian maritime operations.
The third ship, [INS Agray], is focused primarily on coastal defence. The anti-submarine warfare ship was designed to operate effectively in shallow water and is equipped with sonar systems, torpedoes, and anti-submarine rocket launchers. Therefore, it will provide a protective service to ports, naval bases, and key coastal entry points against underwater threats.
Indian Navy Warships Strengthen Maritime Security Amid Regional Competition
Nevertheless, changing security dynamics in the region are also reflected by the commissioning. In addition to providing regional seas and ocean areas with Indian maritime responsibility, Indian maritime responsibility now includes the majority of India’s eastern maritime zone (ELOZ), the entire Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the entire Indo-Pacific region. China has recently expanded its presence, including deploying additional submarines, scientific vessels, sourcing through the use of existing research vessels, and testing the 24-hour capability of the navy in the Indian Ocean. Pakistan also continues to enhance its naval force capabilities.
As a result, the Indian Navy is investing in platforms to achieve multiple aspects of “maritime security”. A blue-navy multi-purpose combat ship, a SCWV survey vessel, and a submarine hunter vessel provide a balanced structure for the Indian Navy to monitor, interpret, and provide the Indian Navy with an increased capacity to protect its waters. As a result, the three vessels will play an important role in developing a comprehensive regional balance strategy.
Indigenous shipbuilding receives a major boost
As such, the induction also underlines the advancements made by India in the area of domestic defence production, as all three vessels were built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, with an estimated greater than 75% of their components being produced within India and using the resources of more than 200 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The total cost of the three Project 17A Frigates will be in the tens of thousands of crores of Indian Rupees (around INR 20,000-25,000 Crs); therefore, they are considered among the most advanced warships in India. The programme also supports technology transfer, job creation, and supply chain development. This demonstrates to all who are involved that the Indian Shipbuilding Ecosystem is maturing. Thus, the simultaneous induction of three classes of vessels supports both the strategic and industrial objectives of the Government of India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) Vision.
These Indian Navy warships highlight India’s growing maritime ambitions and indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. Together, the Indian Navy warships improve operational flexibility, strengthen maritime security, and support India’s long-term strategic objectives in the Indian Ocean region.
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