Pakistan, China to get sleepless nights as India takes delivery of first P17A advanced guided warship, it is worth Rs…, is equipped with BrahMos, Barak…

In good news for the Indian Navy, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd delivered Himgiri on Thursday. This is the first of three advanced guided-missile frigates being built under the Navy’s Project 17A. Himgiri is also the 801st ship and the 112th warship that GRSE has successfully built and handed over to the Indian Navy.

What is India’s P17A advanced guided warship, and why is it significant?

The 149-metre vessel, which weighs 6,670 tonnes, is one of the biggest and most technologically advanced multi-role warships that GRSE has built during its 65 years as a Defence Public Sector Undertaking. According to the Indian Defence Research Wing report, this warship was accepted on behalf of the Indian Navy by RAdm Ravnish Seth, Chief Staff Officer (Technical), Eastern Naval Command.

How much did it cost?

The total investment for the project will be about Rs 21,833.36 crore and this project will provide significant benefits for India’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), start-ups, and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

What deadly weapons are installed on the new P17A warship?

Himgiri has BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for anti-ship and land-attack missions, and Barak 8 surface-to-air missiles for air defence.

With a combined diesel and gas turbine propulsion system, the frigate is equipped with advanced AESA radar and modern combat systems. Furthermore, it is capable of anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare operations, according to IDRW. The warship offers increased survivability and improved performance. ‘Himgiri’ is designed to accommodate 225 personnel and is fully helicopter capable. Currently, GRSE is building 15 warships for the Indian Navy, across four different classes.

What are the key features of India’s P17A advanced guided warship?

The ship is also designed for crew comfort and maximized operational flexibility, allowing accommodation for 225 people and aviation support for helicopter operations; it is a significant representation of the Indian government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ (Self-Reliant India Campaign). At present, GRSE is building 15 warships across four classes for the Indian Navy. These include Androth (the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft) and Ikshak (the third Large Survey Vessel), which have completed sea trials and are waiting to be delivered, and 13 other ships at various stages of construction.

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