President Murmu launches warship Vindhyagiri
Context
Vindhyagiri, the third of three Project 17A (Alpha) frigates the Indian Navy has built at Kolkata’s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), was unveiled on Thursday by President Droupadi Murmu.
Overview of the Project:
- The Indian Navy is constructing a line of cutting-edge naval vessels known as Project 17A (Alpha) frigates.
- The Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) of Kolkata, India produce these frigates.
Vindhyagiri’s launch:
- President Droupadi Murmu launched the Vindhyagiri frigate to signify the end of this project phase.
- This inaugural event marks an important development in India’s naval power.
What are Frigate class ships?
A frigate is a class of naval warships that, in terms of size, capabilities, and function, sits between a destroyer and a corvette. In addition to escorting larger ships, patrolling territorial waters, engaging in anti-submarine warfare, and engaging in air and surface combat, frigates are multipurpose ships.
What are the characteristics?
- Size: The normal size of a frigate is that of a medium-sized warship, bigger than a corvette but smaller than a destroyer.
- Armament: They are armed with a variety of weapons, including torpedoes, naval guns, electronic warfare systems, and anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles. Due to their adaptability, frigates can combat various threats.
- Sensors and Systems: Frigates are outfitted with sophisticated radar, sonar, and sensor systems that allow them to find and follow aircraft, surface ships, and submarines.
- Multi-Mission Capability: Frigates are versatile assets for naval operations since they are built to perform a variety of tasks. They are capable of air defence, surface, and anti-submarine warfare.
- Speed and Endurance: Frigates can operate independently or as a member of a naval task force and are designed for long-term operations at sea. They have the speed and stamina required for lengthy deployments.
- protection: These ships frequently have armour to safeguard critical systems, close-in weapon systems (CIWS) for protection against incoming threats, and countermeasures against missiles.
Atmanirbhar Bharat Emphasis:
- President Murmu emphasized the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision by highlighting the launch as a milestone in that direction.
- Local shipbuilding is regarded as a crucial component in lowering reliance on imports and enhancing the nation’s technological capability.
- Project 17A is an example of India’s dedication to self-reliance and technological development in the maritime and defence industries.
- The project is an important step in strengthening domestic capabilities and lowering reliance on outside sources.
Enhancing Maritime Capabilities:
- Vindhyagiri’s launch is a strategic move to strengthen India’s Maritime Capabilities, which are essential for preserving stability and influence in the Indian Ocean Region and the greater Indo-Pacific.
Security in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region:
- The President stressed the multifaceted nature of these regions’ security issues.
- To protect national interests, the Navy must take a proactive approach to tackling these security risks.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the introduction of the Vindhyagiri frigate represents an important development for India’s naval might and efforts toward self-reliance. This occasion highlights the nation’s dedication to indigenous shipbuilding, technical development, and regional security in the Indo-Pacific.
