Why in News?
The Indian Navy recently commissioned INS Mahendragiri, INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray, strengthening India’s indigenous maritime capabilities.
Key Highlights
- Three indigenous naval classes strengthen India’s layered maritime security:
- Nilgiri Class: Stealth Frigates (Project 17A)
- Sandhayak Class: Survey Vessel (Large)
- Arnala Class: Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC)
- Designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) with high indigenous content under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
- Protect India’s 11,098 km coastline, 2.4 million sq km Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and sea lanes carrying ~90% of India’s trade by volume.
About the Three Classes
- Nilgiri Class (Project 17A): Next-generation stealth guided missile frigates for anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare.
- Equipped with BrahMos missiles, advanced radar, sonar, and helicopters.
- Sandhayak Class: Conducts hydrographic surveys, seabed mapping, and nautical charting.
- Supports the Blue Economy, navigation safety, and disaster relief.
- Arnala Class: Designed for coastal anti-submarine warfare in shallow waters.
- Equipped with lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, and shallow-water sonar.
Strategic Significance
- Strengthens Aatmanirbhar Bharat through indigenous shipbuilding.
- Supports SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) visions.
- Enhances maritime security, defence exports, and the Blue Economy.
[2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?
[A] Amphibious warfare ship
[B] Nuclear-powered submarine
[C] Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
[D] Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier