President of India launches Nilgiri class frigate INS Vindhyagiri.

According to information published by the Indian presidency on August 17, 2023, Smt Droupadi Murmu, attended the launch of the Vindhyagiri at Garden Reach Shipbuilders Engineers Limited in Kolkata, West Bengal. This vessel is the sixth ship under Project 17A of the Indian Navy.
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Launching ceremony of Project 17A frigate INS Vindhyagiri. (Picture source: Indian presidency)

The Vindhyagiri has a displacement of 6,670 t (6,560 long tons) and dimensions of 149 m in length, 17.8 m in beam, and a draft of 5.22 m. The depth is measured at 9.9 m.

Powered by 2 MAN Diesel 12V28/33D STC, each offering 6000 kW, and 2 General Electric LM2500, it operates on a CODAG propulsion system. The ship can reach speeds of 32 kn and offers a range of 2,500 nmi at 28 kn and 5,500 nmi at 16–18 kn.

Vindhyagiri can carry two boats, specifically 2 x RHIB. Its crew capacity stands at 226, which includes 35 officers. The ship's radar systems comprise the IAI EL/M-2248 MF-STAR S-Band AESA radar and the Indra LTR-25 'Lanza' L-Band surface-search radar.

Her sonar functionality is provided by the BEL HUMSA-NG active/passive sonar. The vessel utilizes the "Combat Management System" (CMS-17A) as part of its combat suite.

For electronic warfare, Vindhyagiri employs the DRDO "Shakti" EW suite and is equipped with ESM/ECM and "Radar Finger Printing System" (RFPS). She also uses 4 x Kavach decoy launchers and 2 x NSTL Maareech torpedo-countermeasure systems for protection.

In terms of armament, the ship is fortified for anti-air warfare with 4 x 8-cell VLS for 32 Barak 8 surface-to-air missiles. Its anti-surface capabilities include 1 x 8-cell VLS for 8 BrahMos anti-ship missiles.

For anti-submarine warfare, she employs 2 x triple-tube torpedo launchers for Varunastra and 2 x RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers. The vessel also has a 1 x OTO Melara 76 mm naval gun and 2 x AK-630M CIWS. Additionally, the ship can accommodate 2 x HAL Dhruv or Sea King Mk. 42B helicopters.

The President emphasized the strategic importance of maritime capabilities in the security of the Indian Ocean Region and the broader Indo-Pacific. The launch of Vindhyagiri underlines India's commitment to technological advancement.