In a landmark moment for India’s naval modernisation, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday commissioned two state-of-the-art Project 17A multi-mission stealth frigates — INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri — at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam. This is the first time two frontline surface combatants, built at two different shipyards, have been commissioned on the same day.
Calling the event “a picture of the realization of the dream of a self-reliant India,” Singh said the induction of the two frigates underscored the nation’s growing strength in indigenous defence manufacturing.
Cutting-Edge Capabilities
Designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB), both frigates boast advanced stealth features, long-range surface-to-air missiles, supersonic BrahMos missiles, indigenous rocket and torpedo launchers, and state-of-the-art combat management and fire-control systems. Powered by Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion, they can execute the full spectrum of maritime operations in blue-water conditions.
“These warships are game-changers, equipped for highly complex and risky operations at sea,” Singh said, adding that the ships would serve as “invincible sentinels of the sea.”
Built Across Two Shipyards
- INS Udaygiri, constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai, is the fastest ship of its class to be delivered post-launch using modular construction.
- INS Himgiri, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, showcases the collaborative strength of India’s shipbuilding ecosystem.
Both vessels carry about 75% indigenous content, supported by over 200 MSMEs, generating around 4,000 direct and 10,000 indirect jobs.
Maritime Legacy and Significance
The new frigates are named after their illustrious predecessors — INS Udaygiri (F35) and INS Himgiri (F34) — which served the nation for over three decades. Notably, Udaygiri is also the 100th ship designed by the Navy’s design bureau, marking five decades of indigenous warship design.
Singh underlined India’s maritime identity, saying:
“Our future, prosperity, and security are deeply tied to the seas. With INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, our Navy’s reach and resilience will be significantly enhanced.”
Strengthening Eastern Fleet
Following the commissioning, both frigates will join the Eastern Fleet, bolstering India’s maritime presence and safeguarding national interests in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
