Three Indigenous Naval Classes for Combat, Survey and Coastal Defence

Why in news

The commissioning of INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray, along with the mention of INS Mahendragiri, highlights the expansion of indigenous naval platforms like the Nilgiri, Sandhayak, and Arnala classes, bolstering India's maritime capabilities and defence manufacturing.

Exam relevance

GS3 · Economy, Internal Security · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. India's maritime strength relies on a balanced fleet for diverse naval operations.
2. The Nilgiri, Sandhayak, and Arnala classes are key indigenous naval platforms.
3. INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray have been recently commissioned.
4. INS Mahendragiri is also mentioned as strengthening naval capability.
5. These platforms are built with high indigenous content, supporting Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
6. The Indian Navy protects a coastline of approximately 11,098 kilometres.
7. The Navy safeguards an Exclusive Economic Zone of nearly 2.4 million square kilometres.
8. Approximately 90 per cent of India's trade by volume passes through sea lanes.
9. Four new-generation indigenous naval platforms were inducted in a single month.

Prelims pointers

• India's coastline is approximately 11,098 kilometres long.
• India's Exclusive Economic Zone is nearly 2.4 million square kilometres.
• Around 90% of India's trade by volume is carried via sea lanes.
• Nilgiri, Sandhayak, and Arnala are indigenous naval classes.

Mains practice question

Discuss the significance of indigenous naval platforms in enhancing India's maritime security and economic interests, particularly in the context of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Static linkage

Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which aims to make India self-reliant, particularly in manufacturing and defence.

Significance

The induction of indigenous naval platforms like the Nilgiri, Sandhayak, and Arnala classes enhances India's maritime security, supports the Blue Economy by protecting sea lanes and EEZ, and reinforces India's position as a significant maritime power. The high indigenous content signifies progress in defence manufacturing and self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.