Rajnath Singh launches indigenously built Y- 3023 Dunagiri, Project 17A frigate to strengthen country’s maritime security
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh said the security challenges in the Indian Ocean region and Indo-Pacific are constantly increasing. In order to achieve the Prime Minister’s Vision of ‘SAGAR’, that is ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’ and to protect, preserve and promote India’s National Maritime Interests, Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and other organisations have to increase the infrastructure and assets so that the country stay ahead of the curve in dealing with these challenges. Raksha Mantri said this while launching Y- 3023 Dunagiri, Project 17A frigate built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders Limited (GRSE) in Kolkata on Friday.
Speaking on the occasion, Raksha Mantri praised the efforts of Directorate of Naval Design and other Naval Teams in realizing the Nation’s quest for self-reliance with regard to warship building.
He also commended GRSE for its unstinted support in the field of ship production despite various challenges and helping Indian Navy realize its ship induction plan. Raksha Mantri said that ‘Dunagiri’ would be a world class stealth frigate with multidimensional capabilities to destroy enemies from sea, sky, and underwater.
Raksha Mantri also recalled the brave sons of Bengal, Jatindranath Mukherjee, Khudiram Bose and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, on the occasion and mentioned their unforgettable contributions to the Nation when our country is celebrating the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. He also praised the role of brave women from Bengal, Begum Rukaiah, Bina Das and many others, who brought laurels not only to Bengal but to the whole country.
P17A Frigates are follow-on class of the P17 (Shivalik Class) Frigates with improved stealth features, advanced weapons and sensors and platform management systems. Seven P17A Frigates are under various stages of construction at Mazagaon Dock Limited (MDL) and GRSE.
Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of Naval Staff, and other senior officers from Indian Navy and Ministry of Defence were amongst the dignitaries who attended the ceremony.
