India Commissions Dunagiri Frigate and Sanshodhak Survey Ship
The Indian Navy expands its capabilities with the commissioning of the fifth Nilgiri-class frigate Dunagiri and the survey vessel Sanshodhak. These additions strengthen India’s maritime domain awareness and surface combat power.
The Indian Navy formally took delivery of two new warships on 30 March 2026: the fifth Nilgiri-class stealth frigate Dunagiri (Yard 3023) and the survey vessel Sanshodhak (Yard 3028). Both ships were built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata and mark significant milestones in the navy’s modernization efforts.
The Nilgiri-class frigates are designed for multi-role operations including anti-submarine warfare, anti-air warfare, and surface warfare, bolstering India’s blue-water operational reach. The Dunagiri expands the fleet’s stealth and combat capabilities. Meanwhile, the Sanshodhak survey vessel enhances hydrographic mapping and maritime situational awareness critical for naval operations and safeguarding vital sea lanes.
Strategically, these inductions underline India’s focus on securing its maritime interests amid rising regional tensions in the Indo-Pacific. The increase in stealthy, advanced surface combatants paired with enhanced survey capabilities reflects New Delhi’s holistic approach to naval modernization and power projection.
Technically, the Dunagiri frigate features state-of-the-art stealth design, integrated sensors, and a blend of indigenous and imported weapon systems including surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles. The Sanshodhak is equipped with modern hydrographic survey tools including multi-beam echo sounders, autonomous underwater vehicles, and real-time data processing suites.
Looking ahead, these vessels will be critical in improving India’s maritime domain awareness and operational readiness. Their deployment likely intensifies regional naval balance, prompting neighboring powers to accelerate their own naval modernization efforts in this increasingly contested maritime space.