The newly unveiled installation features a fully weatherproof, 20-meter-long scale model of the ship situated in the open-air space outside the airport terminal building. The model is fully designed, installed, and maintained by GRSE. The non-commercial display serves as a striking landmark for millions of passengers, symbolizing “Atmanirbharta” and a proud collaboration between AAI and GRSE while bringing indigenous naval technology prowess of the country closer to the public eye.

The initiative reflects the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ and underscores the transformative power of ‘Atmanirbharta’ (Self-Reliance) in warship building. Placed at one of Eastern India’s busiest international gateways, the exhibit highlights the country’s technological capabilities and rapid strides in defense manufacturing to domestic and global travelers alike.

The scale model represents the Project 17A (Himgiri Class) Advanced Guided-Missile Frigate programme, one of India’s most ambitious indigenous warship-building initiatives. Designed for multi-mission operations, including anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, these next-generation stealth frigates incorporate advanced weapons, sensors and survivability features. Measuring 149 metres in length and displacing approximately 6,670 tonnes, the warships are powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system and represent a generational leap in indigenous warship design, stealth, firepower, automation and combat capability.

GRSE has played a pivotal role in the successful execution of Project 17A. The first GRSE-built frigate, Himgiri, was delivered to the Indian Navy on 31 July 2025, while the second frigate, Dunagiri, was delivered on 30 March 2026 and subsequently commissioned into service by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on 21 June 2026. The third and final frigate of the class being built by GRSE, Vindhyagiri, is currently at an advanced stage of construction. These technologically advanced warships reflect India’s growing expertise in indigenous warship design and construction and stand as powerful symbols of self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

As a Premier Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) operating from Kolkata since 1960, GRSE holds the unique distinction of being the only Indian shipyard to have built and delivered the highest number of warships to the nation’s armed forces. To date, the shipyard has built and delivered 118 warships, including 80 warships for the Indian Navy, a record unmatched by any shipyard in the country. GRSE is currently constructing multiple advanced platforms, including one Project 17A Advanced Frigate, four Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW-SWCs), four Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs), and several commercial and export vessels.

Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd.), Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE, hoisted the National Flag, followed by the inspection of an impressive guard of honour by CISF personnel. Among the others present were Cdr Shantanu Bose, IN (Retd.), Director (Shipbuilding), Capt (IN) P Sunilkumar (Retd.), Director (Corporate Planning & Personnel), Shri Niranjan Bhalerao, Director (Finance), Shri Abhishek Ranjan, IOFS, Chief Vigilance Officer, Shri V Vidhun, Commandant, CISF and senior officials from GRSE and CISF.

A key highlight of this year’s Independence Day celebrations was the unveiling of the new names of three GRSE shipbuilding units and the Design department, reflecting the shipyard’s commitment to honouring India’s rich heritage and distinguished national icons from West Bengal. The Main Works Unit was renamed as Rabindranath Tagore Shipyard, the RBD Unit as Rishi Bankim Shipyard and the FOJ Unit as Matangini Hazra Shipyard. The Central Design Office (CDO) was renamed as the Centre for Ship Design & Research. The new names were unveiled through a digital display during the Independence Day celebrations.

The renaming comes at a significant juncture in GRSE’s journey. With a legacy dating back to 1884, the Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence was accorded Navratna status by the Department of Public Enterprises, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, in June 2026. The recognition marks another important milestone in the shipyard’s journey and reflects its sustained performance, capabilities and contribution to the nation.

Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd.), Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE, reflected on the shipyard’s journey over the past year and highlighted its strong operational and financial performance, continued focus on self-reliance and indigenous capabilities, and the opportunities emerging from its growing presence in naval and commercial shipbuilding.

‘Independence Day reminds us that freedom comes with the responsibility to build a stronger, more self-reliant and future-ready nation. At GRSE, this responsibility is reflected in our unwavering commitment to indigenous shipbuilding and nation-building. Our elevation to Navratna status and strong performance in the first quarter of this financial year are a testament to the dedication of Team GRSE. The unveiling of new identities for our key facilities marks a new chapter that honours our rich heritage while reinforcing our focus on innovation, excellence and capability building. As we move forward, we remain committed to contributing to the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat and a maritime nation of global standing.”’, he said.

CMD, GRSE congratulated the GRSE and CISF teams for their participation in the Independence Day celebrations and appreciated their continued commitment towards the organisation and the nation.

Coming less than three months after the launch of Sanghmitra, the first NGOPV from GRSE, on 20 May 26, the occasion reflects the steady momentum achieved by GRSE in executing this prestigious programme.

GRSE is constructing four NGOPVs as part of the Indian Navy’s 11-ship NGOPV programme. The newly launched warship, named ‘Shruti’, was formally launched by Smt. Manika Sadhu, wife of Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, AVSM, NM, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition (CWP&A), Indian Navy, amidst traditional rituals and the chanting of Vedic shlokas. Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

The others present at the occasion were Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE along with Cdr Shantanu Bose, IN(Retd.), Director (Shipbuilding), Capt (IN) P Sunilkumar, (Retd.), Director (Corporate Planning & Personnel), Shri Niranjan Bhalerao, Director (Finance), Shri Abhishek Ranjan, IOFS, CVO and other senior officials of Indian Navy and GRSE.

The name ‘Shruti’ means “that which is heard”. In the Indian tradition, the term ‘Shruti’ is used to refer to the four Vedas, the ancient scriptures that have been preserved through oral tradition over generations and occupy a central place in India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

The NGOPVs are significantly larger and more capable than the Offshore Patrol Vessels built earlier, offering enhanced endurance, firepower and operational versatility. Measuring about 113 metres in length and 14.6 metres in width, with a displacement of 3,000 Tons, they will achieve speeds of up to 23 knots and have an endurance of 8,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 14 knots.

Designed for a wide range of maritime operations, the NGOPVs will undertake coastal and offshore asset protection, maritime interdiction, surveillance, VBSS (visit, board, search and seizure), mine warfare and special operations. They will also be deployed for Out of Area Contingency Operations, anti-piracy, counter-infiltration, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), search and rescue missions, besides supporting hospital, COMINT and fleet maintenance roles.

Vice Admiral Sadhu mentioned, “The Navy’s responsibility is not only to defend our national interests; it is also to ensure freedom of navigation, security of our sea lanes, and the uninterrupted flow of energy and essential goods to and from India. Over the last decade, thanks to the Government and its important policy initiatives, we have made remarkable progress in creating a vibrant and increasingly technologically advanced defence manufacturing and shipbuilding ecosystem. And in this journey, ladies and gentlemen, GRSE has occupied a very, very special place. In 1961, GRSE delivered INS Ajay to us. It was the first indigenously built platform. Since then, over the last several decades, the Indian Navy has received more than 110 warships from GRSE, while GRSE has built over 800 ships and platforms for the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard, export customers and other countries. On account of all these accomplishments, GRSE was also accorded Navratna status in June 2026, which I think is a great honour and recognition of the consistent vision, hard work and steadfast commitment of its personnel, both past and present. The launch of Shruti today is yet another reflection of the professionalism, competence and commitment of Team GRSE.”

Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd.), Chairman & Managing Director, GRSE, highlighted the expansion plans of the shipyard and its commitment to Atmanirbharta and self-reliance.

He also said, “Shruti, as she shall be named in a few moments from now, belongs to the Naval Ship of Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel project, of which four vessels are being constructed by GRSE. Unlike her predecessors, the Sukanya class OPVs or the indigenously built Saryu class OPVs, these ships are much larger, have much longer endurance and are packed with state-of-the-art equipment and sensors, not to mention a potent weapon fit. While the entire shipyard is brimming with activity, last year was an exciting year for us, when we delivered eight warships and launched one warship. This year shall be equally exciting, when we will deliver five warships and launch four vessels”.

The celebrations were marked by a collective yoga session at the Main Works Unit, where employees came together to observe this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”. The programme was held in the august presence of Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd.), Chairman & Managing Director, Cdr Shantanu Bose, IN (Retd.), Director (Shipbuilding), Capt (IN) P Sunilkumar (Retd.), Director (Corporate Planning & Personnel), Shri Niranjan Bhalerao, Director (Finance), Shri Abhishek Ranjan, IOFS, Chief Vigilance Officer and other senior officials of GRSE.

On the occasion, winners of the Yoga Competition organised for employees were felicitated for their enthusiastic participation and dedication to promoting fitness and well-being. The competition saw active participation from employees across departments, underscoring GRSE’s continued commitment to fostering a culture of health, wellness, and holistic development in the workplace.

In the lead-up to the celebrations, GRSE undertook several awareness initiatives to encourage participation among employees and stakeholders. The celebrations were also marked at the company’s DEP Unit in Ranchi, where employees joined in observing the occasion, underscoring GRSE’s organisation-wide commitment to fostering a culture of health and wellness. Special displays and informational banners highlighting the significance of yoga were put up across GRSE units, while awareness messages were disseminated through internal communication channels. The Company’s social media platforms also highlighted the significance of yoga and this year’s theme.

GRSE also actively promoted the Ministry of Ayush’s Yoga 365 campaign and encouraged participation in the nationwide Guinness World Record attempt for the Largest Yoga Session, supporting the national movement towards wellness, unity and healthy living. Information regarding these initiatives was shared with employees and other stakeholders through email communications and social media outreach.

Through these initiatives, GRSE continues to encourage its workforce to embrace yoga as a way of life, fostering resilience, harmony and enhanced well-being while contributing to a healthier and more productive workplace.

The commissioning of INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak and INS Agray marks a defining milestone in India’s naval history and reinforces the nation’s growing strength in indigenous warship design and construction under the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister commissioned the warships in the presence of Shri R. N. Ravi, Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal, Shri Suvendu Adhikari, Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Chief of the Naval Staff and senior officials of Indian Navy & GRSE. The commissioning of three major surface warships on a single day is a first-of-its-kind achievement for any shipyard in India and highlights GRSE’s robust shipbuilding infrastructure, advanced technological capability and efficient project execution. The achievement further strengthens the shipyard’s operational preparedness across strategic, surveillance, anti-submarine warfare and maritime defence capabilities.

Aligned with the objectives of Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047, GRSE is spearheading India’s green maritime transformation through focused initiatives in shipbuilding and ship repair, modernisation of yard infrastructure, strategic global partnerships, promotion of sustainable maritime practices, and adoption of emerging technologies. By integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), digitalization and innovation-led solutions across its operations, GRSE is driving efficiency, sustainability and technological excellence, while contributing to the vision of a resilient, self-reliant and globally competitive maritime sector.

INS Dunagiri, the second Advanced Guided Missile Frigate built by GRSE under Project 17A, represents a significant advancement in indigenous warship design. Equipped with BrahMos anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles along with advanced defence systems, the warship significantly enhances the Indian Navy’s strike and defensive capabilities.

INS Sanshodhak, the last of the four Survey Vessels (Large) built by GRSE, will bolster the Indian Navy’s hydrographic and survey capabilities, supporting port and harbour approaches, navigation channels and maritime limits, while also aiding oceanographic data collection and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.

INS Agray, one of the eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW-SWCs) under construction at GRSE, is designed for coastal anti-submarine operations and is equipped with advanced Combat Management Systems, lightweight torpedoes, anti-submarine warfare rockets and a 30 mm Naval Surface Gun with approximately 88% indigenous content.

With the delivery of INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak and INS Agray, GRSE has achieved the milestone of building and delivering 118 warships, including 80 warships for the Indian Navy — the highest by any shipyard in the country.

Reinforcing its technological leadership, GRSE is the only PSU shipyard to receive the Defence Minister’s Award for Excellence in the Defence & Aerospace Sector for designing the most silent ship for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations for the Indian Navy.

From building 05-ton boats to 24,600-ton Fleet Tankers, GRSE has demonstrated unmatched versatility and established itself as a pioneer warship builder of the nation. Since 1960, GRSE remains the only Indian shipyard to have delivered over 100 warships and is also the first Indian shipyard to have built a Fleet Replenishment Tanker. It is additionally the first shipyard in independent India to build a Seaward Defence Boat (SDB), the builder of the first-ever Patrol Vessel for the Indian Coast Guard, the first-ever Indigenous Survey Vessel and the first Indian shipyard to export a warship — CGS Barracuda — to Seychelles.

Beyond shipbuilding, GRSE has consistently championed indigenous innovation and engineering excellence, securing 100 Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) from the Government of India and being recognised as the Best Performing Defence Shipyard of India for four consecutive years.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi stated, “I am delighted that on this occasion I have had the opportunity to come to this great land of Bengal. This is the land that gave a new direction to India’s ideas, that accelerated India’s renaissance, and that connected India to the world through the seas for centuries. Today, on this very soil, an important event linked to Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Surakshit Bharat, and Viksit Bharat is taking place. Today, INS Agray, INS Dunagiri, and INS Sanshodhak are giving new momentum to that journey. These three vessels are also symbols of three important national commitments. They have been built in India, their designs were developed in India. The talent of Indian industries has gone into their construction. The skill of Indian engineers has gone into them. The hard work of Indian workers has gone into them. And this is the greatest strength of the new India.”

On the occasion, Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Chief of the Naval Staff, stated, “GRSE has long been a trusted partner of the Indian Navy in ensuring maritime security. On this occasion, I would like to congratulate the GRSE team. I would also like to congratulate our industry partners and MSMEs who have helped us achieve this success. Last year, in Mumbai, the Prime Minister witnessed the first tri-commissioning in India. After 17 months, the second tri-commissioning in Kolkata shows that India’s warship construction capacity, modernity, self-reliance and self-confidence are all gaining new momentum.”

GRSE is currently constructing multiple frontline platforms, including one Project 17A Advanced Frigate, four ASW-SWCs and four Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs). In addition, the shipyard is building 30 other vessels, including 13 export platforms, and is in advanced stages of concluding a prestigious contract for the construction of the Next Generation Corvettes.

Through indigenous warship construction, export-ready maritime platforms, innovation-driven excellence and over 90% indigenous equipment fit in frontline warships, GRSE continues to reinforce India’s emergence as a world-class maritime and shipbuilding powerhouse committed to national security, economic progress and nation-building excellence.

The name Sanghmitra means friend of the community. It was also the name of the eldest daughter of Emperor Ashoka, who is known to have travelled to Sri Lanka in the 3rd Century BC to spread the teachings of Lord Buddha.

The others present at the occasion were senior officials from GRSE and the Indian Navy.
GRSE has significant experience in the construction of warships and patrol vessels for maritime operations. The shipyard also built the OPV MCGS Barracuda, the first warship exported by India to Mauritius in 2014. GRSE bagged the Defence Minister’s Award of Excellence for in-house Design Effort for that warship. The launch of this ship is on the heels of a successful year for GRSE, having delivered eight ships in a single year, including simultaneous delivery of three warships of different classes – the P17A stealth frigate, a Survey Vessel large and an ASW Shallow water craft – on a single day, 30 Mar 26.

The NGOPVs will be much larger warships than the OPVs built earlier, and have greater endurance and firepower. These platforms will be about 113 metres long and 14.6 metres wide, with a displacement of 3,000 Tons. The NGOPVs will achieve speeds of up to 23 knots. Their endurance will be 8,500 nautical miles at a speed of 14 knots.

The NGOPVs will play a variety of roles. With a draught requirement of only 4 metres, they would be able to operate in coastal waters, protecting offshore assets, carrying out maritime interdiction, as well as visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operations. They will also be part of presence-cum-surveillance and mine warfare missions while having the capability to support special operations.

These warships will also participate in ‘Out of Area’ Contingency Operations, non-combatant evacuation, convoy operations, anti-piracy missions and counter-infiltration operations. Apart from these, they will take on poachers and traffickers, and participate in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief as well as search and rescue missions. They will also be able to operate as hospital and COMINT ships apart from providing fleet maintenance support.

Vice Admiral Vatsayan commended GRSE’s role in keeping the Navy supplied with advanced warships. “Over the years, the Indian Navy has evolved into a force that is not only prepared for conflicts but equally committed to shaping the stable maritime environment through cooperation, presence and readiness. In this broader context, the Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel project holds considerable significance. I would like to convey my appreciation to GRSE, which has consistently demonstrated its capability in delivering quality platforms to the Indian Navy, having delivered eight ships in the last financial year. Today’s launch adds another important chapter to its legacy,” he said.

Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd.), Chairman & Managing Director, GRSE, highlighted the technological advances that the shipyard has made adding to enhanced capabilities. “We are kickstarting 2026-27 with the launch of this vessel and this year too will see multiple launches and deliveries”, he said.

This ship is part of a larger government plan to build 11 advanced patrol vessels at shipyards in Goa and Kolkata to protect India’s waters. Once ready, Sanghmitra will be used for important missions like stopping sea pirates, monitoring coastlines, protecting offshore oil rigs, and helping with search and rescue operations during natural disasters. Defense officials highlighted that building this ship locally is a major success for India’s “Make in India” goals, proving that the nation is becoming completely self-reliant in manufacturing its own powerful military hardware.

This collaborative initiative will enable GRSE and K2 Cranes to explore and implement profitable business in respect of cranes utilized for marine, defence and shipyard requirements, both in India and abroad.

While GRSE’s mainstay continues to remain warship building and construction of other marine platforms, it also manufactures engineering products. It holds the largest market share in the country in the modular, steel bridges sector, having delivered over 5,900 of them to both domestic and international clients.

The celebrations began with Cmde PR Hari IN (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE along with the senior most employee of the company Shri Asit Kumar Biswas unfurling the National Flag, followed by the inspection of an impressive guard of honour by personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

Among the others present were Cdr Shantanu Bose, IN(Retd.), Director (Shipbuilding), GRSE, Capt (IN) P Sunilkumar (Retd.), Director (Corporate Planning & Personnel), GRSE, Shri Abhishek Ranjan, IOFS, CVO, GRSE, Shri V Vidhun, Commandant, CISF Kolkata and senior officials from GRSE & CISF.

Cmde Hari, in his address, highlighted the importance of the themes of this year’s Republic Day that are “The Mantra of Self-Reliance – Vande Mataram” and“The Mantra of Prosperity – Atmanirbhar Bharat”.

He highlighted the remarkable performance of the shipyard over the last year and its commitment towards self-reliance and Atmanirbharta. The CMD also spoke on measures taken by GRSE to maintain delivery schedules and bag more orders.  He highlighted efforts by GRSE to build more commercial vessels and extend its already proven expertise in green technology to larger platforms.

“With 42 vessels – including 12 warships for the Indian Navy, 13 export vessels & 17 domestic commercial vessels- under construction, every corner of our yards is abuzz with activity. Recently inaugurated, the Next Generation VR Lab facility marks a major step towards strengthening self-reliant, technology-driven warship design and production capabilities in the country. From advanced naval platforms to zero-emission and hybrid-propulsion vessels, GRSE is committed to delivering excellence while expanding its footprint across defence, research and commercial shipbuilding,” Cmde Hari added.

He also underscored GRSE’s efforts to be a part of the Government’s initiative to develop India into a major hub for shipbuilding and allied activities.

CMD GRSE congratulated the CISF team for their exemplary turn out and excellent and graceful display, including the cultural program.