LAUNCH OF ‘HIMGIRI,’ FIRST SHIP OF PROJECT 17A

Himgiri, the first of the three Project 17A ships being built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata, was launched on December14, 2020 with CDS General Bipin Rawat being the Chief Guest Madhulika Rawat, wife of CDS, launched the ship to the chanting of invocations from the Atharva Veda. The ship has taken its name and crest of the second Frigate of the Leander Class of ships, which incidentally was launched 50 years ago in 1970. Under the Project 17A programme, a total of seven ships, four at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and three ships at GRSE are being built with enhanced stealth features, advanced indigenous weapon and sensor fit along with several other improvements. Since its inception, Project 17A has upheld India’s vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat. Project 17A ships are sourcing 80 per cent of the material/ equipment required for the project from indigenous vendors and with employment generation for over 2000 Indian firms and MSMEs within the country.