India’s New Naval Trio: The simultaneous commissioning of INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 21, 2026, was more than a ceremonial addition to the Indian Navy’s fleet. It marked a strategic evolution in India’s maritime doctrine, where different classes of ships operate as a connected combat network rather than isolated platforms.
India’s New Naval Trio: INS Sanshodhak
Every successful naval mission begins with information. INS Sanshodhak provides exactly that. The vessel is the fourth Survey Vessel (Large) built for the Indian Navy and functions as an advanced hydrographic and oceanographic platform. Using Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), multibeam echo sounders and sophisticated survey systems, it maps the seabed, underwater terrain, navigational channels and oceanographic conditions with exceptional precision.
These surveys are not limited to navigation. Modern naval warfare depends heavily on accurate underwater data because submarines hide using seabed features, underwater temperature layers and varying ocean conditions. In military terms, Sanshodhak acts as the fleet’s “eyes beneath the sea.”
INS Dunagiri
Once intelligence is available, the Navy requires a frontline warship capable of responding immediately.
That responsibility falls on INS Dunagiri, the fifth Project 17A stealth guided missile frigate. Built with reduced radar signature and equipped for multidimensional warfare. Dunagiri combines offensive and defensive capabilities in a single platform. It carries BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for long-range precision strikes, Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles for air defence and anti-submarine weapons.
Unlike conventional frigates designed solely to fight surface ships, Dunagiri can simultaneously protect the fleet against incoming enemy aircraft, missiles, warships, and submarines. Within an integrated fleet, Dunagiri can act as the sword and the shield. It can use information generated by Sanshodhak to take precise action.
INS Agray
Locating enemy submarines under the shallow water of coastal seas is a difficult challenge. To counter this menace, INS Agray was constructed. It is a shallow water vessel (SW) armed with light torpedoes, indigenous submarine rocket launchers (SLR), integrated sonar equipment and an all-inclusive combat and control arrangement. It has jet propulsion in water and is thus a powerful maneuverer.
INS Tarkash Escorts Seychelles Coast Guard Vessel Zoroaster Home
Why Do the Three Ships Become More Powerful Together?
First of all, INS Sanshodhak collects data related to oceanographic properties and inspects the ocean floor to map the underwater scenario. Later, this information is transmitted to commanders and operational ships of armed forces for taking action. Then, INS Agray uses this gathered data to locate enemy submarines in near-shore conditions, making it an easier task.
If an enemy sea-going, air, or subsurface target poses a threat, INS Dunagiri then gives all of the critical fightability it requires to stop and remove the target. In order to react rapidly during challenging circumstances, they work in harmony, shorten the process of selection, augment targeting efficiency and enhance survival probability.
The Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau designed three vessels that shipyards built here in the nation. More than 75% are indigenous parts and over 200 Indian MSMEs are involved, thus limiting the external suppliers and building up the country’s domestic defense production system.
