In a momentous occasion that resonated with national pride, Vindhyagiri, the sixth Stealth Frigate of Project 17A, was gracefully launched today at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) shipyard. The Hon'ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, performed the launch ceremony, sending waves of euphoria through the assembled dignitaries, naval personnel, shipbuilders, and spectators who gathered to witness this historic event.
A Grand Unveiling
As Vindhyagiri descended into the majestic waters of the river Hoogly, a sense of awe and admiration swept across the onlookers. The vessel's sleek and formidable presence was a testament to India's growing prowess in indigenous shipbuilding. Dignitaries, including Shri CV Ananda Bose, Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal, and Ms. Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal, joined Shri Ajay Bhatt, Raksha Rajya Mantri, Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of Naval Staff, and other senior officers from the Indian Navy and Ministry of Defence in applauding the momentous achievement.
GRSE's Legacy of Excellence
M/s GRSE has firmly established itself as a reliable partner of the Indian Navy, boasting a track record of multiple successful conventional launches. The launch of Vindhyagiri marks yet another milestone in the illustrious journey of the shipyard, underscoring its unwavering commitment to delivering top-quality warships. Following the launch, 'Vindhyagiri' will join its two sister ships at the Outfitting Jetty at GRSE, where the remaining activities and equipment trials will be conducted in preparation for their delivery and commissioning.
Project 17A Frigates: A Technological Marvel
Project 17A Frigates represent the next generation of the Project 17 (Shivalik Class) Frigates, boasting enhanced stealth features, advanced weapons and sensors, and state-of-the-art platform management systems. Currently, seven Project 17A Frigates are at various stages of construction at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and GRSE. The design of these Advanced Stealth Frigates is a testament to the expertise of the Warship Design Bureau in creating technologically advanced warships for the Indian Navy.
A Giant Leap Towards Self-Reliance
With the launch of Vindhyagiri, India's indigenous expertise and engineering capabilities receive a significant boost. This achievement reduces India’s dependence on foreign suppliers, promotes self-reliance, and fosters a robust defense industrial base. Notably, over 75% of the orders for Project 17A have been placed with indigenous firms, including Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), aligning with the Government's vision of 'Aatma Nirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India).
A Resounding Endorsement
During the event, the Hon'ble President of India expressed profound satisfaction and heartfelt appreciation for the remarkable achievements of the Warship Design Bureau and other Naval Teams, highlighting their role in fulfilling the nation's aspiration for self-reliance in warship building. She also lauded GRSE for its unwavering commitment and steadfast support to warship production, which has significantly bolstered the Indian Navy's capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region.
As Vindhyagiri takes to the waters of the mighty Hooghly, it symbolizes unwavering determination, upholding the nation's cherished values. May this warship serve as a powerful testament to our commitment to national security and our vision of a prosperous and secure future.
