Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three indigenously built naval platforms, INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray, at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata on June 21, 2026. Designed by the Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy and constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, these vessels represent a major milestone in India’s defence indigenization. The simultaneous commissioning of three distinct frontline warships underscores the expanding capabilities of India’s domestic shipbuilding industry and its path toward complete self-reliance.
The Historic Tri-Commissioning in Kolkata
The simultaneous commissioning of INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray marks a rare tri-commissioning event in the history of the Indian Navy. This ceremony took place at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, formerly known as the Kolkata Port Trust, which is India’s oldest operating riverine port.
Inducting three warships of different classes on the same day reflects the execution capacity of the Indian Navy and its manufacturing partners. The Prime Minister emphasized that these inductions strengthen India’s maritime posture in the Indian Ocean Region while supporting the security of regional partners. This event highlights the growing capacity of domestic shipyards to build and deliver complex, high-technology maritime platforms.
Inside the Three Frontline Naval Platforms
Each of the three commissioned vessels serves a distinct operational purpose, ranging from combat operations to scientific research and littoral defence.
INS Dunagiri: Project 17A Stealth Guided-Missile Frigate
The frigate INS Dunagiri is the fifth ship of the Project 17A (Nilgiri-class) stealth guided-missile frigate programme. It has a displacement of approximately 6,670 tonnes, a length of 149 metres, and a beam of 17.8 metres. The propulsion system uses a Combined Diesel or Gas configuration that features two General Electric LM2500 gas turbines and two MAN diesel engines, enabling a top speed of 28 knots.
For combat operations, the frigate is equipped with an array of weaponry. It features an eight-cell Vertical Launch System for BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and a thirty-two-cell system for Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile systems. The vessel also carries an OTO Melara 76 mm naval gun, two AK-630 Close-In Weapon Systems, two triple torpedo launchers, and two RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers. These systems are integrated with the advanced IAI EL/M-2248 MF-STAR radar and a hull-mounted sonar system to detect and engage multiple threats simultaneously.
INS Sanshodhak: Sandhayak-class Large Survey Vessel
As the fourth and final ship of the Survey Vessel Large programme, INS Sanshodhak belongs to the Sandhayak-class. The vessel has a displacement of approximately 3,400 tonnes and a length of 110 metres. Powered by twin marine diesel engines, it can reach speeds exceeding 18 knots and has an operational endurance of 6,500 nautical miles at economical speeds. The ship is also equipped with bow and stern thrusters to maintain precise positioning during slow-speed survey operations.
The primary role of the vessel is to conduct coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys, map port approaches, and identify safe navigational channels. It carries advanced scientific equipment including a Data Acquisition and Processing System, Autonomous Underwater Vehicles, Remotely Operated Vehicles, and digital side-scan sonars. Additionally, the vessel can be converted into a hospital ship to support search and rescue or humanitarian relief operations during emergencies.
INS Agray: Arnala-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft
The anti-submarine warfare craft INS Agray is the fourth vessel of the Arnala-class. With a displacement of 900 tons and a length of 77.6 metres, it is powered by water-jet propulsion systems rather than traditional propellers. This configuration allows the vessel to reach a maximum speed of 25 knots and operate efficiently in shallow littoral waters where larger warships cannot easily navigate.
The ship is designed to detect and neutralize underwater threats close to the coast. It is fitted with the indigenously developed Abhay hull-mounted sonar and a low-frequency variable depth sonar system. To neutralize targets, the craft carries a RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launcher and two triple lightweight torpedo launchers. Defensive armament includes a 30 mm naval surface gun and two 12.7 mm stabilized remote-controlled guns.
The Strategic Importance of the New Inductions
The simultaneous addition of these three distinct platforms addresses critical gaps in India’s maritime security architecture. The stealth frigate INS Dunagiri provides multi-mission combat capabilities to counter surface, aerial, and underwater threats in the open ocean. Meanwhile, the survey vessel INS Sanshodhak plays an essential role in mapping the seabed, which is vital for safe submarine operations and coastal defence navigation. The anti-submarine craft INS Agray secures the littoral zones by keeping shallow waters clear of hostile submarines and mines.
Together, these vessels support India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative. Accurate hydrographic charts produced by survey vessels help protect international shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean. The coordination of littoral defence and blue-water combat capabilities allows the Indian Navy to project power and maintain stability across crucial maritime choke points.
Indigenous Manufacturing and Self-Reliance in Defence
All three warships were manufactured by the Kolkata-based defence public sector undertaking, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, which has recently been conferred Navratna status. The shipyard utilized the integrated construction methodology, where modular pre-outfitted blocks are assembled to reduce the overall build time. This method ensures better structural alignment and speeds up the delivery process for complex warships.
With more than 75% indigenous content in these vessels, the projects have significantly engaged the domestic industrial ecosystem. Over 200 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) contributed to the design, supply of materials, and engineering systems of these ships. This high level of domestic integration aligns with the self-reliance goals of the government and reduces dependency on foreign suppliers for critical naval systems.
Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three indigenously built naval ships, INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray, on June 21, 2026, in Kolkata.
- The three vessels were designed by the Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy and constructed by the Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers.
- INS Dunagiri is the fifth ship of the Project 17A stealth guided-missile frigate class and is armed with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.
- INS Sanshodhak is the fourth and final Sandhayak-class Survey Vessel (Large) designed to conduct coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys.
- INS Agray is the fourth Arnala-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft that utilizes water-jet propulsion.
- All three commissioned vessels feature more than 75% indigenous content and involved over 200 domestic MSMEs in their construction.
