Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three indigenously designed and built naval platforms on June 21, 2024 [1], [3].
The expansion of the fleet represents a strategic shift toward self-reliance in defense. By reducing dependence on foreign military imports, India aims to strengthen its maritime security and operational autonomy in the region.
The three new vessels include the INS Dunagiri, a stealth frigate, and the INS Sanshodhak, a large hydrographic survey vessel [2]. The third addition is the INS Agray, an anti-submarine warfare shallow-water craft [2]. These ships were developed and constructed within India to enhance the navy's specialized capabilities [1], [2].
Officials said the move is intended to boost the Indian Navy’s overall capabilities [1]. The integration of these platforms allows for a more diverse range of naval operations, from deep-sea surveying to stealthy coastal defense.
Each vessel serves a distinct strategic purpose. The stealth frigate is designed to evade detection, while the shallow-water craft focuses on neutralizing submarine threats in coastal areas [2]. The hydrographic vessel provides essential mapping and data collection for safe navigation [2].
This procurement of three [1] new warships aligns with broader national goals to advance indigenous manufacturing. The process of designing and building these platforms domestically ensures that the technical expertise remains within the country's borders [1], [2].
“India commissioned three indigenously designed and built naval platforms.”
The commissioning of these warships signifies India's transition from a buyer of foreign naval technology to a developer of indigenous platforms. By deploying a mix of stealth, survey, and anti-submarine assets, India is diversifying its naval toolkit to address a wider array of maritime threats and operational needs in the Indian Ocean region.
