Indian Navy Commissions INS Udaygiri, INS Himgiri: A Major Boost to Maritime Power
India strengthens maritime defense with the commissioning of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, advanced stealth frigates under Project 17A.
A Historic Day for India’s Maritime Security
In a landmark moment for India’s naval history, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned two state-of-the-art stealth frigates — INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri — into the Indian Navy on August 26 at the Naval Base, Visakhapatnam. The event marked the first time two frontline surface combatants, constructed indigenously by two different shipyards, were commissioned simultaneously.
These multi-mission stealth frigates, part of Project 17A, symbolize not only India’s growing maritime strength but also its push towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
Context: The Evolution of Project 17A
Project 17A is the successor to the Shivalik-class (Project 17) frigates, designed with enhanced stealth capabilities, improved radar cross-section reduction, and advanced weapon systems.
- The Indian Navy placed orders for seven stealth frigates under this program.
- Four are being developed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, while three are built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
- Designed in-house by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, Project 17A represents a significant leap in India’s indigenous warship design.
The first ship, INS Nilgiri, was launched in 2019, followed by Himgiri (2020), Udaygiri (2022), and others such as Dunagiri, Taragiri, Vindhyagiri, and Mahendragiri.
The Commissioning of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri
The commissioning of INS Udaygiri (built by MDL) and INS Himgiri (built by GRSE) marks a milestone in naval history.
- INS Udaygiri: Keel laid in 2019, launched in 2022. Named after the erstwhile INS Udaygiri (F35), which served from 1976 to 2007.
- INS Himgiri: Keel laid in 2018, launched in 2020. Honoring its predecessor INS Himgiri (F34), which served from 1974 to 2005.
These ships are the 100th and 101st warships designed in-house by the Indian Navy, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to maritime self-reliance. Both will join the Eastern Fleet under the Eastern Naval Command, strengthening India’s presence in the Indo-Pacific.
Cutting-Edge Capabilities
The Project 17A frigates, displacing around 6,700 tonnes, are larger and more capable than their predecessors.
Key features include:
- Stealth Technology: Reduced radar signatures and sleeker design.
- Advanced Weapons Systems: Supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missile systems, rapid-fire gun systems.
- Surveillance & Electronic Warfare: State-of-the-art radars and electronic warfare suites.
- Propulsion: Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion plants for higher speeds and fuel efficiency.
- Platform Management: Integrated Platform Management System for better efficiency and control.
- Indigenous Content: Over 75% components sourced domestically, with extensive participation of MSMEs and Indian OEMs.
Expert Insights and Strategic Significance
Speaking at the ceremony, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that these frigates will not only strengthen India’s maritime security but also play a critical role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions.
Defense analysts highlight that commissioning both ships together showcases the efficiency of India’s shipbuilding ecosystem. The simultaneous involvement of MDL and GRSE reflects the country’s industrial capacity to produce high-value, complex defense assets.
Impact on India’s Maritime Strategy
The addition of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri is a significant step in India’s broader maritime strategy, especially as the Indo-Pacific region witnesses increasing geopolitical competition.
- Enhanced Combat Readiness: These warships expand the Navy’s ability to conduct anti-submarine warfare, surface combat, and area air defense missions.
- Regional Security: Their induction strengthens India’s deterrence capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Symbol of Self-Reliance: Project 17A embodies “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” by ensuring that most weapons, sensors, and equipment are sourced domestically.
Looking Ahead
With the commissioning of these two frigates, the Indian Navy now has three Project 17A warships operational, with four more on the way. Once completed, the P17A fleet will be among the most advanced stealth frigate classes in Asia, further reinforcing India’s status as a leading maritime power.
Conclusion
The simultaneous commissioning of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri is more than a naval upgrade — it is a statement of intent. It showcases India’s growing defense manufacturing capabilities, its strategic preparedness in the Indo-Pacific, and its ability to combine indigenous innovation with maritime strength.
As both frigates sail into the Eastern Fleet, they carry not only advanced weaponry and stealth features but also the weight of history, honoring their legendary predecessors while charting a course for India’s naval future.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Details are based on publicly available reports and official statements.