Frigate Vindhyagiri (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 - Science and Technology)

Context: The President of India launched Vindhyagiri, the last in the series of 3 project 17A(Alpha) frigates built by the Indian Navy at the Kolkata based Garden Reach shipbuilders and Engineers(GRSE).

• The launch was also a step towards achieving the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat through indigenous shipbuilding.
• Following the launch, Vindhyagiri will join its two sister ships (INS Himgiri and INS Dunagiri) at the Outfitting Jetty at GRSE, to progress remaining activities and equipment trials.

About Vindhyagiri:

• Named after a mountain range in Karnataka.
• The sixth ship among Project 17A frigates.
• These ships come after Project 17 Class Frigates (Shivalik Class), having better stealth, advanced weapons, sensors, and management systems.
• Vindhyagiri, a highly advanced frigate, honors its forerunner, the former INS Vindhyagiri.
• The newly named Vindhyagiri represents India's strong commitment to embracing its abundant naval history.

About Project 17A:

• The Indian Navy initiated Project 17 Alpha (P-17A) frigates in 2019 to build advanced stealth guided-missile frigates.
• Currently, two companies, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), are building these frigates.
• The ships are also equipped with technology that reduces their infrared signals.
• The first ship under this project, named Nilgiri, was launched in 2019.
• As part of the P17A initiative, seven ships are currently being built – four at MDL and three at GRSE.