Vindhyagiri, a P17A Frigate, will be launched by Hon’ble President of India, at GRSE, Kolkata on 17 Aug 2023. Vindhyagiri, named after the mountain range in Karnataka, is sixth ship of Project 17A Frigates. These warships are follow-ons of Project 17 Class Frigates Shivalik Class, with improved stealth features, advanced weapons and sensors and platform management systems. Vindhyagiri, a technologically advanced Frigate, pays a befitting tribute to distinguished service of its predecessor, the erstwhile INS Vindhyagiri, Leander Class ASW Frigate. The old Vindhyagiri in its nearly 31 years of service from 08 Jul 1981 to 11 Jun 2012, had witnessed various challenging operations and multinational exercises. The newly christened Vindhyagiri stands as a symbol of India's determination to embrace its rich naval heritage while propelling itself towards a future of indigenous defence capabilities. Under Project 17A program, a total of four ships by M/s MDL and three ships by M/s GRSE are under construction. The project's first five ships have been launched by MDL and GRSE, between 2019-2022. Project 17A ships have been designed in-house by Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau WDB, the pioneer organisation for all warship design activities. Aligning with country's resolute commitment to Aatma Nirbharta, a substantial 75% of the orders for equipment and systems of Project 17A ships are from indigenous firms, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises MSMEs. The launch of Vindhyagiri is an apt testament to the incredible progress our Nation has made in building a self-reliant naval force.
