The Indian Navy has taken delivery of INS Dunagiri, a cutting-edge indigenous stealth frigate constructed under Project 17A by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. The handover occurred on 30 March 2026, as confirmed by the Ministry of Defence.

This marks the fifth vessel in the Nilgiri-class series and the second to emerge from GRSE's yards, underscoring the yard's growing prowess in advanced warship construction.

INS Dunagiri draws its name from its predecessor, the original INS Dunagiri, which served honourably from 1977 until its decommissioning in 2010. The new frigate embodies significant evolutionary upgrades over its forebear, particularly in stealth features, firepower, automation, and survivability. These enhancements position it as a versatile platform for multi-mission operations in contemporary naval warfare.

Project 17A represents the Navy's drive to induct next-generation frigates capable of addressing diverse threats across surface, air, and underwater domains. Designed in-house by the Navy's Warship Design Bureau, the programme employs an integrated construction methodology that streamlines assembly and enhances structural integrity.

This approach marks a clear advancement over the earlier Shivalik-class frigates, with superior stealth profiling to minimise radar cross-sections.

At the heart of INS Dunagiri's offensive punch lies the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system, a jointly developed Indo-Russian asset renowned for its precision and speed.

Complementing this are the MFSTAR active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for multi-target tracking and the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system for robust air defence. The ship's primary armament includes a 76 mm super rapid gun for surface engagements.

Defensive capabilities are equally formidable, featuring close-in weapon systems (CIWS) such as the AK-630 or similar setups for intercepting incoming missiles. Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) provisions include heavyweight torpedoes, rocket launchers like the RGB-60, and potentially the advanced Varunastra torpedo.

A hangar and flight deck accommodate a single multi-role helicopter, such as the MH-60R Seahawk or indigenous Kamov Ka-31, bolstering ASW and over-the-horizon targeting.

Propulsion relies on a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) configuration, pairing gas turbines for high-speed dashes with diesel engines for efficient cruising. This setup delivers a top speed exceeding 30 knots and a range suitable for extended blue-water operations.

Automation levels have been elevated through state-of-the-art combat management systems (CMS), reducing crew requirements while enhancing situational awareness via integrated sensors and data fusion.

The delivery of INS Dunagiri is the fifth under Project 17A in the past 16 months, reflecting accelerated production timelines. GRSE completed construction in 80 months, a notable improvement over the 93 months taken for the lead ship, INS Nilgiri.

This efficiency stems from lessons learned, modular construction techniques, and supply chain optimisations involving public and private sectors.

Indigenisation stands out as a cornerstone of the project, with approximately 75 per cent of components sourced domestically. Over 200 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) contributed to subsystems ranging from electronics to propulsion auxiliaries. This not only bolsters India's self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative but also disperses technological know-how across the defence ecosystem.

The Nilgiri-class frigates enhance the Navy's surface fleet amid rising maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean Region. With threats from adversarial navies, non-state actors, and evolving missile technologies, these platforms provide layered deterrence. INS Dunagiri's stealth and sensor fusion will enable it to operate in high-threat environments, supporting missions from anti-piracy patrols to carrier battle group escorts.

Looking ahead, the remaining ships of the seven-vessel Project 17A programme—split between GRSE and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)—are progressing steadily. Full operational clearance for INS Dunagiri is anticipated post-trials, potentially by late 2026 or early 2027. This infusion of modern frigates will bridge gaps until larger indigenous destroyers like Project 18 materialise.

The program exemplifies India's maturing naval industrial base, reducing import dependence and fostering export potential. As the Navy eyes a 170-warship fleet by 2035, vessels like INS Dunagiri will play pivotal roles in securing sea lines of communication vital to India's economic security.

Agencies