Indian Navy Inducts Indigenous Stealth Frigate ‘Dunagiri’ Under Project 17A

Indian Navy have received the indigenous stealth frigate ‘Dunagiri’ on the March 30, 2026. It was built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited and the warship is the fifth Nilgiri-class under the (Project 17A) frigate. It was designed with the advanced stealth with automation and also the combat capabilities. INS Dunagiri represent the significant leap in the indigenous war ship construction and it also aligns with vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defense manufacturing.

Key Highlights INS Dunagiri

INS Dunagiri is the modern multi-mission stealth frigate and it is designed to tackle modern maritime challenges.

It is part of the advanced Project 17A which is aims to enhance India’s naval combat capabilities.

This warship is a like the earlier INS Dunagiri which is the Leander-class frigate which had served the nation for over three decades from the 1977 to 2010.

Key Features of the Frigate

• It is the advanced stealth design which will reducing radar visibility
• Also to enhanced firepower and survive ability systems
• Along with high level of automation and integrated systems
• And it was built with 75% indigenous content

Project 17A: Next Generation of Frigate for Indian Navy

The Project 17A is the follow-up to the earlier Shivalik-class (Project 17) frigate and it represent the significant upgradation in technology and capability.

The frigates are designed by the Warship Design Bureau and also incorporate the modern construction techniques like Integrated Construction and this will reduces the build time and improves efficiency.

As compared to earlier warships this Project 17A ships offer the,

• Better stealth and the radar evasion capabilities
• Also improved combat management systems
• Advanced weapons and sensors integration
• And the faster construction timelines (Where Dunagiri built in 80 months vs 93 months for earlier ships)

Advanced Weapons and Technology Onboard

INS Dunagiri is equipped with the cutting-edge weapons and the sensor systems and it became the important asset in modern warfare.

Its combat part includes the,

• BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for the surface strikes
• MF-STAR radar system for the advanced surveillance
• MRSAM (Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile) for air defense
• 76 mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM)

The ship uses the CODOG (Combined Diesel or Gas) propulsion system which will allowing the efficient speed management and operational flexibility.