The Indian Navy has reached an important milestone with the delivery of INS Dunagiri, a new stealth frigate that showcases India’s growing strength in homegrown defense manufacturing. Handed over on March 30, 2026, at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited, this vessel is part of the Nilgiri-class under Project 17A.
INS Dunagiri (Yard 3023) is the second frigate from the Project 17A series built at GRSE. It represents a leap in naval design, featuring improved stealth technology, combat readiness, and automation.
This new frigate pays homage to its predecessor, the original INS Dunagiri, a Leander-class ship that served from 1977 to 2010.
The Project 17A frigates are designed for various missions, ready to tackle both present and future maritime challenges. They include significant advancements like a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, controllable pitch propellers, and an integrated platform management system.
INS Dunagiri comes equipped with a robust combat suite, including BrahMos missiles, MF-STAR radar, and advanced air defense systems. It also features a 76 mm Super Rapid Gun Mount and close-in weapon systems for added protection.
Notably, the construction of INS Dunagiri took just 80 months, compared to 93 months for the first ship, INS Nilgiri. This efficiency marks a significant improvement in indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.
With a 75% indigenization rate, the project has involved over 200 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), creating around 4,000 direct jobs and supporting more than 10,000 indirect jobs. This widespread involvement underscores the economic benefits of bolstering the domestic defense industry.
INS Dunagiri is the fifth Project 17A ship delivered in just 16 months, reflecting India’s growing expertise in building sophisticated warships. According to a recent report by the Indian Ministry of Defence, the focus on self-reliance, or Aatmanirbhar Bharat, emphasizes the importance of domestic capabilities in defense manufacturing.
With the addition of INS Dunagiri, the Indian Navy is making a strong statement about its commitment to modernizing its forces and enhancing its strategic capabilities. This ship is not just another addition to the fleet; it is a symbol of India’s dedication to engineering excellence and maritime security.
