Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Limited has unveiled a 20-metre-long weatherproof scale model of the Project 17A (Himgiri Class) Advanced Guided-Missile Frigate at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport in Kolkata, giving millions of arriving passengers an immediate introduction to one of India's most ambitious indigenous warship programmes. The installation, placed on the city side of the terminal, was inaugurated on 25 August by Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production) at the Ministry of Defence.

The Installation and What It Represents

The scale model is fully designed, installed, and maintained by GRSE and occupies open-air space outside the terminal building. It is a non-commercial public display, positioned at what GRSE describes as one of Eastern India's busiest international gateways. The Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) said the exhibit is intended to bring 'indigenous naval technology prowess of the country closer to the public eye' and symbolises a collaboration between the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and GRSE.

The inauguration was attended by Commodore PR Hari, Indian Navy (Retd) and GRSE Chairman and Managing Director; Captain P. Sunilkumar, Indian Navy (Retd) and GRSE Director (Corporate Planning and Personnel); and Vikram Singh, NSCBI Airport Director.

About the Project 17A Frigate

The Project 17A (Himgiri Class) frigates are the largest frigates ever built and operated by the Indian Navy. Each vessel measures 149 metres in length and displaces approximately 6,670 tonnes. Powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, they are designed for multi-mission operations — covering anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare — and incorporate advanced stealth features, weapons systems, sensors, and automation.

GRSE has been a central player in this programme. Its first Project 17A frigate, INS Himgiri, was delivered to the Indian Navy on 31 July 2025. The second, INS Dunagiri, was delivered on 30 March 2026 and subsequently commissioned into service by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 21 June 2026. The third and final GRSE-built frigate of the class, Vindhyagiri, is currently at an advanced stage of construction.

GRSE's Record in Indian Shipbuilding

Established as a DPSU in 1960, GRSE has built 808 ships of various classes to date. Of these, 118 were delivered to the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard — a record for any Indian shipyard. The company has delivered 80 warships to the Navy alone, an unmatched figure in the country's shipbuilding history.

GRSE also holds the distinction of building MCGS Barracuda, the first warship exported by India, now operated by the Mauritius Coast Guard, and PS Zoroaster, exported to Seychelles. The shipyard is currently constructing multiple advanced platforms, including four Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASWSWCs), four Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs), and 30 other platforms — including 13 earmarked for export.

Strategic Branding and Atmanirbharta Messaging

GRSE — described as the largest heavy industry in West Bengal — has framed the airport installation as a major public-engagement and strategic branding initiative. The company said it reflects Prime Minister Modi's vision of 'Viksit Bharat @2047' and underscores the country's self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The display is expected to reach domestic and international travellers alike, projecting India's growing capabilities on a global stage.

With Vindhyagiri nearing completion and GRSE's export order book expanding, the airport exhibit marks a broader push to build public awareness around India's indigenous defence industrial base.