Security challenges in the Indian Ocean region and the Indo-Pacific are increasing, Singh said

Project 17A frigate Y-3023 Dunagiri, which has advanced stealth features, was launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Kolkata on Friday.

P17A Frigates are follow-on class of the P17 (Shivalik Class) Frigates with improved stealth features, advanced weapons and sensors and platform management systems. Seven P17A Frigates are under various stages of construction at Mazagaon Dock Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), the Ministry of Defence said.

"The ‘Dunagiri' will be a world class stealth frigate with multidimensional capabilities to destroy enemies from sea, sky, and underwater.

The successful launch of ‘Dunagiri’ has helped in realizing the Nation’s quest for self-reliance with regard to warship building," Singh tweeted.

Speaking at the event, the Defence Minister lauded the Directorate of Naval Design's and other naval teams' efforts to realise the nation's goal of self-reliance in warship construction.

He also praised GRSE for continuing to support ship development despite several obstacles and for assisting the Indian Navy in achieving its ship induction target.

Underlining the need to increase infrastructure and assets in the changing scenario of the world, Singh said that economic, political and trade relations between countries are constantly evolving. Security challenges in the Indian Ocean region and Indo-Pacific are constantly increasing.

Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and other organisations have to increase the infrastructure and assets so that the country stays ahead of the curve in dealing with these challenges, the Defence Minister said.

He also emphasised the importance of the Prime Minister's vision of "SAGAR," or "Security and Growth for All in the Region," and the need to protect, preserve, and advance India's national maritime interests.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar, who attended the event along with senior naval and defence ministry officials, informed that the Dunagiri project created more than 3000 local job opportunities. MSMEs from all across the nation, in addition to over 29 Indian OEMs, contributed to the project, pointed out.