INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri Commissioned: A Landmark in Indian Naval Modernisation

The Indian Navy marked a historic milestone on Tuesday, August 26, with the simultaneous commissioning of two cutting-edge stealth frigates — INS Udaygiri (F35) and INS Himgiri (F34) — at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presided over the ceremony, which represents the first-ever induction of two frontline surface combatants from different shipyards at the same time, underscoring India’s growing shipbuilding synergy and defence self-reliance.

Honouring Naval Tradition

Both frigates carry forward the proud legacy of earlier ships:

• INS Udaygiri revives the name of a Leander-class frigate that served from 1976 to 2007.
  
  
• INS Himgiri honours its predecessor, in service from 1974 to 2005.

This continuity pays tribute to naval tradition while equipping the fleet with advanced capabilities.

Project 17A: India’s Next-Generation Stealth Frigates

The two ships are part of Project 17A (Nilgiri-class), the successor to the Shivalik-class (Project 17). Designed in-house by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB), Project 17A represents a leap in stealth, survivability, and automation. Notably, INS Udaygiri is the 100th ship designed by the WDB, marking a defining achievement in indigenous naval engineering.

Indigenous Strength and Industrial Impact

Both frigates embody the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, with nearly 75% indigenous content sourced from over 200 MSMEs. Their construction has generated thousands of jobs and reinforced India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.

• INS Udaygiri, built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (Mumbai), was delivered on July 1, 2025, in record time thanks to modular construction.
  
  
• INS Himgiri, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (Kolkata), completed sea trials in March and was delivered on July 31, 2025, making it the first Project 17A ship from GRSE.

Features & Capabilities

Stealth & Design
Both ships displace around 6,670 tonnes and are designed with advanced stealth features, including reduced radar, infrared, acoustic, and magnetic signatures, composite superstructures, and flush-mounted systems.

Propulsion & Automation
The frigates employ a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) configuration, with diesel engines for cruising and gas turbines for speed, delivering over 28 knots and high endurance. An Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) enables automated monitoring and control.

Armament
The frigates are equipped with a formidable arsenal:

• BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for land and sea strike
  
  
• Barak-8 long-range surface-to-air missiles via VLS
  
  
• A 76 mm main gun, CIWS (30 mm & 12.7 mm) for point defence
  
  
• Anti-submarine systems including torpedo tubes and RBU-6000 rocket launchers

Sensors & Aviation

• Advanced MF-STAR AESA radar, BEL HUMSA-NG sonar, and Ajanta EW suite.
  
  
• A flight deck and hangar to support MH-60 Romeo, ALH Dhruv Mk-III, or Sea King helicopters, extending ASW, surveillance, and SAR capabilities.

Strategic Impact

The induction of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri significantly enhances the Navy’s ability to conduct multi-domain operations — from anti-air and anti-surface warfare to land-attack and electronic warfare. Joining the Eastern Fleet, the frigates will strengthen India’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region, ensuring maritime security and safeguarding strategic sea lanes.

A Symbol of Naval Autonomy

Beyond their operational might, these twin inductions symbolise:

• The maturity of modular shipbuilding across India’s premier shipyards.
  
  
• The success of Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, with high indigenous content.
  
  
• The Navy’s commitment to a self-reliant, technologically advanced fleet.

As India faces complex maritime challenges, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri represent not only strategic assets but also national pride — embodying foresight, innovation, and the future of Indian naval power.