KOLKATA: Strengthening the maritime capabilities of the Indian Navy, the Defense Minister Rajnath Singh launched the P17A stealth frigate Dunagiri, built by PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, on the river Hooghly in Kolkata on Friday. P17A ships are guided-missile frigates.

In his speech prior to the launch, Singh stated that the launching of ships by Indian shipyards is a step forward in the nation's self-sufficiency. He said that India is doing everything it can to support its neighboring Sri Lanka during this difficult period.

The state-of-the-art vessel will be outfitted with the latest technology and put through rigorous testing by GRSE, which was hired to build three stealth frigates as part of Project 17A, before being sent to the Indian Navy for commissioning into service. The warship is undergoing paint shop work as it nears completion of construction.

The biggest order GRSE has ever received is the Rs 19,294 crore contract for the construction of the three stealth frigates under Project 17A, the official said. The Kolkata-based defence PSU now has an order book of almost Rs 24,000 crore.

Although GRSE engages in other manufacturing operations including building Bailey bridges and a diesel engine facility in Ranchi, the official noted that shipbuilding accounts for roughly 95% of the company's revenue.

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