The seventh and final stealth frigate being built by Mazagon Dock Ltd (MDL) under Project 17 Alpha will be launched on September 1, according to Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar. The Indian Navy has ordered a total of seven stealth frigates, with four being built by MDL and three by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE). The Navy aims to achieve full self-reliance in shipbuilding and has emphasised the importance of making all warships, submarines, and aircraft required for the Navy in India. Admiral Kumar mentioned that 61 out of 63 ships under construction are being built in the country, reflecting the progress in indigenous shipbuilding capabilities. The Navy’s goal is to be fully self-reliant by 2047. The fifth stealth frigate, named ‘Vindhyagiri’, is a state-of-the-art combat platform that significantly enhances the Navy’s capabilities. It is more potent than its predecessor, a Leander-class anti-submarine warfare frigate, which was decommissioned in 2012. Admiral Kumar highlighted that indigenisation levels in ship components vary, with around 95% indigenisation achieved in the float category and 65-70% in the move category. Efforts are underway to increase indigenisation in the move category, which includes engines, and achieve a high level of indigenisation in the fight component, which involves weapons and radars. The Defence official added that 75% of orders for P17A ship equipment and systems are placed with indigenous firms, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The launch of the stealth frigate ‘Vindhyagiri’ is considered a landmark event for the Navy and the nation, highlighting progress in indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.