The first of three stealth frigates, Himgiri, built by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) under Project 17A for the navy, launched into water at Garden Reach on Monday .

The ship was launched by Madhulika Rawat, wife of General Bipin Rawat, the Chief of Defence Staff, who was the chief guest for the occasion

General Bipin Rawat

The ship was launched by Madhulika Rawat, wife of General Bipin Rawat, the Chief of Defence Staff, who was the chief guest for the occasion. “China’s attempt to change the status quo on Line of Actual Control along the northern border during the Covid-19 pandemic necessitates high-level preparation on land, sea and air. I am fully confident that Indian Armed Forces will leave no stone unturned to safeguard our frontiers,” Rawat said.

The contract for construction of three stealth frigates under Project 17A is the largest ever order awarded to GRSE by the defence ministry with a value of over Rs 19,293 crores.