GRSE Achieves Historic Milestone with Triple Warship Delivery to Indian Navy
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Key Takeaways
Kolkata, March 30 (NationPress) Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) has successfully delivered three advanced naval vessels to the Indian Navy on a single day, marking a significant milestone in the shipyard's history. Among these vessels is the state-of-the-art guided missile frigate Dunagiri.
The other two warships include the Survey Vessel (Large) Sanshodhak and Agray, which is an Anti-Submarine Shallow Water Craft.
This unprecedented achievement by GRSE highlights its enhanced production capabilities and commitment to delivering multiple complex naval platforms within scheduled timelines, a point emphasized by a senior official.
With the addition of Dunagiri, Sanshodhak, and Agray, GRSE has now constructed a total of 118 warships, with 80 having been delivered to the Indian Navy. The formal acceptance of Dunagiri and Agray was conducted by Rear Admiral Gautam Marwah, CSO (Tech), Eastern Naval Command.
Commodore Shishir Dixit has taken command of the Sanshodhak, which is the final vessel in the quartet of Survey Vessels (Large) constructed by GRSE.
Dunagiri, the second Advanced Guided-Missile Frigate developed by GRSE under Project 17A, signifies a major leap in indigenous naval design and construction techniques. Launched on July 15, 2022, by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, this frigate is among the most technologically advanced platforms produced by GRSE. It is powered by a combination of diesel engines and gas turbines, offering exceptional speed, endurance, and operational versatility.
The 149-meter-long and 6,670-tonne guided missile frigate is armed with cutting-edge weaponry and sensors, including advanced missile systems, modern AESA radar, and an integrated combat management system, which facilitate multi-dimensional operations across air, surface, and subsurface domains.
With capabilities to launch BrahMos anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles, alongside sophisticated defence systems, Dunagiri significantly enhances naval strike and defence capabilities.
The Sanshodhak, the last of the four Survey Vessels (Large) built by GRSE, plays a crucial role in augmenting the Indian Navy's hydrographic and survey capabilities. Launched on June 13, 2023, this 110-meter-long vessel is equipped to perform comprehensive coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys, including port approaches, navigation channels, and maritime boundaries. It can also gather oceanographic and geographical data for defence usage.
Beyond its primary survey function, the vessel is capable of conducting helicopter operations, engaging in low-intensity combat, serving as a hospital ship, and executing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions. Powered by marine diesel engines and equipped with bow and stern thrusters, it is designed for precise survey operations.
Agray, the fourth among the eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW-SWCs) under GRSE's construction, was launched on March 13, 2024. This vessel, measuring approximately 77.6 meters, is tailored for operations in coastal waters and is capable of comprehensive sub-surface surveillance, offensive missions, and coordinated engagements with aircraft. It features a Combat Management System and is armed with lightweight torpedoes and anti-submarine rockets.
With around 88% indigenous content, Agray also boasts a 30 mm Naval Surface Gun developed by GRSE, reinforcing its indigenous capabilities. Built for agility and precision, the vessel is powered by marine diesel engines combined with water jets, ensuring high manoeuvrability. Its shallow draught of about 2.7 meters makes it ideally suited for operations in littoral waters.
GRSE is currently engaged in the construction of several naval vessels, including one Project 17A Advanced Stealth Frigate, four ASW-SWCs, and four Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels. Furthermore, the shipyard is in the process of building 30 additional vessels, with 13 designated for export. GRSE is also nearing the conclusion of a prestigious contract for constructing five Next Generation Corvettes.