Daily Current Affairs : 2-September-2023
In recent news, India marked a significant milestone with the launch of the seventh and final stealth frigate of Project 17A, named Mahendragiri. This accomplishment is not only a moment of pride for the Indian Navy but also a testament to India’s growing capabilities in shipbuilding and defense technology.
Mahendragiri: The Nilgiri-Class Warship
Mahendragiri is part of the Nilgiri-class of warships, bearing its name from the iconic Mahendragiri mountain peak situated in the Eastern Ghats of Odisha. This warship is no ordinary vessel; it boasts advanced stealth features, cutting-edge weapons, state-of-the-art sensors, and highly efficient platform management systems.
Project 17A: A Remarkable Endeavor
Project 17A represents a remarkable feat in India’s naval modernization efforts. It encompasses the construction of a total of seven ships, with four being built at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and the remaining three at the Garden Reach Ship Builders Limited (GRSE) in Kolkata. These frigates are the successors to the Project 17 ‘Shivalik Class’ frigates, featuring enhanced stealth capabilities, advanced weaponry, top-notch sensors, and efficient platform management systems.
Indigenous Design Prowess
One of the standout aspects of Project 17A is that the design of these frigates has been entirely carried out in-house by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau. This bureau has been at the forefront of all warship design activities, showcasing India’s self-reliance in naval technology and design capabilities. This achievement underscores India’s growing prowess in indigenous defense production.
Supporting Indigenous Firms
In a commendable move, more than 75% of the orders for Project 17A have been placed with indigenous firms, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This decision not only strengthens the domestic defense industry but also promotes the ‘Make in India’ initiative. It showcases the Indian government’s commitment to bolstering local manufacturing capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign imports.
International Collaboration with Fincantieri
While Project 17A is a testament to India’s self-reliance, it also involves international collaboration. Fincantieri, a renowned Italian shipbuilding company, has played a crucial role as the know-how provider for technology upgrades and capability enhancements in this project. This collaboration highlights the global nature of defense projects and the importance of cross-border partnerships in the modern defense landscape.
Important Points:
- India celebrated the launch of its seventh and final stealth frigate under Project 17A, named Mahendragiri.
- Mahendragiri is a Nilgiri-class warship, named after the Mahendragiri mountain peak in Odisha’s Eastern Ghats, equipped with advanced stealth features, weaponry, sensors, and platform management systems.
- Project 17A involves the construction of seven frigates, with four built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and three at Garden Reach Ship Builders Limited (GRSE) in Kolkata.
- These frigates are an upgraded version of the Project 17 ‘Shivalik Class,’ featuring enhanced stealth capabilities, advanced weaponry, sensors, and efficient platform management systems.
- The design of Project 17A frigates is done entirely in-house by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, showcasing India’s indigenous design capabilities.
- More than 75% of the orders for Project 17A have been placed with indigenous firms, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
- Fincantieri of Italy collaborates with India as the know-how provider for technology upgrades and capability enhancements in Project 17A, highlighting international collaboration in defense projects.
- The launch of Mahendragiri represents India’s commitment to advancing its naval capabilities, self-reliance in defense production, and the power of international partnerships in defense innovation.
Why In News
The culmination of Project 17A’s efforts, the seventh and final stealth frigate, Mahendragiri, was gracefully launched, marking the completion of this groundbreaking naval endeavor and symbolizing India’s commitment to maritime security for years to come. Its sleek design and advanced capabilities solidify India’s naval prowess on the global stage, promising a formidable presence in the world’s oceans.
MCQs about Project 17A: India’s Advanced Stealth Frigates
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What is the name of the seventh stealth frigate launched under Project 17A?
A. Nilgiri
B. Mahendragiri
C. Shivalik
D. Kolkata
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Which organization was responsible for the in-house design of Project 17A frigates?
A. Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau
B. Fincantieri
C. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
D. Garden Reach Ship Builders Limited
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What is the primary focus of Project 17A’s collaboration with Fincantieri?
A. Providing advanced sensors
B. Enhancing platform management systems
C. Offering technology upgrades and capability enhancements
D. Building warships in Italy
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How much of the orders for Project 17A have been placed with indigenous firms, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)?
A. Less than 25%
B. Approximately 50%
C. More than 75%
D. None of the above
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