New Delhi: The Indian Navy induction of INS Dunagiri, INS Agray and INS Sanshodhak is set to become one of the most important naval events of 2026. The Navy is preparing to commission three indigenous warships simultaneously in Kolkata, showcasing India’s growing strength in domestic defence manufacturing and maritime security. The induction is expected to coincide with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kolkata on June 21.
This rare triple induction highlights India’s push for self-reliance in defence and strengthens the Navy’s ability to protect the country’s maritime interests across the Indian Ocean Region.
What is the Importance of INS Dunagiri, INS Agray and INS Sanshodhak Induction
The three vessels perform different but equally important roles:
- INS Dunagiri – Advanced stealth frigate for surface and long-range combat.
- INS Agray – Anti-submarine warfare vessel designed to detect and neutralize underwater threats.
- INS Sanshodhak – Survey ship used for seabed mapping, navigation support and oceanographic research.
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Together, these ships will improve India’s naval combat capability, coastal security and maritime awareness.
INS Dunagiri: One of India’s Most Advanced Frigates
INS Dunagiri is the fifth vessel under the Project 17A stealth frigate program and the second ship of its class built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
What are the Features of INS Dunagiri
- Equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.
- Advanced air-defence systems.
- Modern anti-submarine weapons.
- Designed for multi-role combat operations.
- Capable of operating in deep ocean environments.
The stealth design helps reduce radar detection, making the warship harder for enemies to track.
INS Agray: India’s New Submarine Hunter
INS Agray belongs to the Arnala-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft program. The vessel is specifically designed to find and counter enemy submarines operating near India’s coastline.
What are the Features of INS Agray
- Advanced sonar systems.
- Lightweight torpedoes.
- Indigenous anti-submarine rocket launchers.
- Designed for shallow-water operations.
- Improved coastal surveillance capabilities.
As submarine activity in the Indian Ocean continues to grow, vessels like INS Agray play a critical role in maritime security.
INS Sanshodhak: Strengthening Maritime Domain Awareness
INS Sanshodhak is the fourth and final vessel under the Survey Vessel (Large) program. Its primary role is collecting critical ocean and seabed data for both military and civilian use.
What are the Features of INS Sanshodhak
- Hydrographic survey equipment.
- Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs).
- Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs).
- Seabed mapping systems.
- Navigation chart preparation capabilities.
The ship will help improve safe navigation, maritime planning and operational readiness for the Navy.
Boost for Make in India and Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
All three vessels were built in India, highlighting the success of the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives in the defence sector. The simultaneous commissioning reflects the Navy’s focus on rapidly converting indigenous shipbuilding projects into operational assets.
The induction also showcases the growing capabilities of Indian shipyards, particularly GRSE, in delivering sophisticated naval platforms for national security.
Growing Security Challenges in the Indian Ocean
The induction comes at a time when the Indian Navy is maintaining a strong presence across the Indian Ocean Region. Rising submarine activity and increasing strategic competition in the region have made maritime security a top priority. The addition of INS Dunagiri, INS Agray and INS Sanshodhak will help India:
- Protect critical sea lanes.
- Enhance anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
- Improve maritime surveillance.
- Strengthen coastal defence.
- Support long-term naval modernization.
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