Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) has installed a 20-metre-long model of the Project 17A Frigate at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. The installation showcases India’s growing capabilities in indigenous warship design and construction.
Project 17A Frigate Model Showcases Indigenous Defence Capability
Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production), Ministry of Defence, inaugurated the weatherproof model at the airport.
GRSE Chairman and Managing Director PR Hari, Director (Corporate Planning & Personnel) P Sunilkumar and NSCBI Airport Director Vikram Singh attended the event. Senior officials from GRSE and the Airports Authority of India were also present.
GRSE designed, installed and maintains the non-commercial model. The installation aims to highlight India’s progress in defence manufacturing and indigenous shipbuilding.
Located at one of eastern India’s major international gateways, the model will give domestic and international passengers a view of India’s naval shipbuilding capabilities.
Project 17A Frigate Built for Multi-Mission Operations
The Project 17A frigates, also known as the Himgiri Class, are designed for multiple naval missions. These include anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare.
The frigates are 149 metres long and have a displacement of around 6,670 tonnes. They feature advanced weapons, sensors, stealth technologies and automation.
The warships use a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system.
GRSE Progresses Project 17A Frigate Construction
GRSE is building three Project 17A frigates for the Indian Navy.
The first frigate, Himgiri, was delivered to the Indian Navy on July 31, 2025. The second frigate, Dunagiri, was delivered on March 30, 2026. It was commissioned into service on June 21, 2026.
The third frigate, Vindhyagiri, is currently in the advanced stages of construction at GRSE’s Kolkata shipyard.
GRSE Strengthens Indigenous Warship Construction
GRSE is a Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence. The shipyard has built and delivered 118 warships so far. These include 80 ships for the Indian Navy.
GRSE is currently constructing one Project 17A frigate, four Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts and four Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels. The shipyard is also building commercial and export vessels.
The Kolkata Airport installation is part of GRSE’s public-engagement efforts. It aims to showcase India’s progress in indigenous warship design and construction.
The initiative also supports the broader objective of strengthening defence self-reliance and promoting India’s capabilities in naval shipbuilding.
Source: PSU Watch
