Delivery of Three Major Warships Strengthens India’s Maritime Power

Context:

Recently, Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) set a new record by delivering three major naval platforms, INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray to the Indian Navy simultaneously.
This marks the first instance when an Indian shipyard has delivered three different classes of warships on the same day.

Strategic Analysis of the Warships:

• • • INS Dunagiri (P17A Stealth Frigate):
      • It is the second advanced stealth frigate built under ‘Project 17A’.
      • Features: Equipped with advanced radar systems, low radar signature (stealth), and lethal weapon systems.
      • Significance: Enhances India’s deterrence capability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
    • INS Sanshodhak (Survey Vessel):
      • It is the fourth ship among the four ‘Survey Vessel Large’ (SVL) projects.
      • Role: Its primary function is to conduct hydrographic surveys in coastal and deep waters.
      • Significance: Provides critical data for accurate maritime mapping, safe navigation, and future naval strategies. It also strengthens the Blue Economy.
    • INS Agray (ASW SWC):
      • It is an Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft.
      • Role: Designed for anti-submarine operations and low-intensity maritime missions in coastal waters. It is equipped with modern sonar and surveillance systems.
      • Significance: Strengthens India’s coastal security and capability to counter submarine threats.

‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and Defence Indigenisation:

This achievement is not limited to shipbuilding alone but reflects the success of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

• • • Indigenous Content: More than 75% indigenous materials have been used in these ships, boosting MSMEs and local industries.
    • Reduced Import Dependence: Earlier, India depended on Russia and Western countries for major warships. Now, the entire process from design to construction is being carried out domestically.

Growing Capability and Strategic Role of GRSE:

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited has delivered a total of 118 warships so far, out of which 80 are for the Indian Navy. The simultaneous delivery of three platforms highlights the following aspects:

• • • Improved Project Management: Reduction in gestation period for building complex warships.
    • Modern Infrastructure: Increased production capacity through the use of Integrated Construction methods.
    • Blue Economy and Maritime Security: These ships are not only meant for warfare but are also capable of securing sea trade routes and performing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.

Conclusion:

The simultaneous delivery of three warships symbolizes India’s maritime strength, industrial capability, evolving geopolitical competition in the Indian Ocean, and strategic self-reliance. The delivery of these ships by GRSE is a significant step towards realizing India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision. It not only strengthens India’s role as a Net Security Provider but also enhances its credibility in the global defence export market.