Indian Navy Strengthens Maritime Power with Delivery of Indigenous Stealth Frigate ‘Dunagiri’
KOLKATA, March 31, 2026 — In a landmark achievement for India’s defense indigenization, the Indian Navy officially received the state-of-the-art stealth frigate Dunagiri (Yard 3023) from Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) on March 30, 2026.
As the fifth ship of the Nilgiri Class (Project 17A) and the second built by GRSE, this delivery marks a significant stride toward Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in warship design and construction.
Named after the erstwhile Leander-class frigate that served the nation for 33 years, the new Dunagiri is a multi-mission platform designed to tackle modern maritime challenges with a quantum leap in stealth, firepower, and survivability.
Designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB), the P17A frigates represent a generational shift in naval engineering, utilizing an “Integrated Construction” philosophy that allowed Dunagiri to be delivered within its envisaged timeline.
A notable feat of the project is the increased efficiency in production; leveraging experience from previous vessels, the build period for Dunagiri was compressed to 80 months, compared to the 93 months required for the lead ship, Nilgiri.
This streamlined process underscores India’s growing prowess in complex naval architecture and large-scale engineering.The vessel is equipped with a formidable arsenal and advanced technology, featuring a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system and an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).
Its combat suite includes the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, MFSTAR radar, MRSAM complex, and a variety of close-in weapon systems and anti-submarine torpedoes.
Beyond its military capabilities, the project is a massive boost to the national economy; with 75% indigenous content, the construction involved over 200 MSMEs and generated employment for approximately 14,000 personnel, reinforcing the Navy’s commitment to building a self-reliant “Made in India” fleet.