Indian Navy Commissions Two New Stealth Frigates: INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri

Indian Navy Commissions Two New Stealth Frigates: INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri

On August 26, 2025, in a historic ceremony at the Naval Base, Visakhapatnam, the Indian Navy commissioned two state-of-the-art stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri. The landmark event was presided over by the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh, marking a significant boost to India’s maritime capabilities and defense self-reliance.

A Twin Milestone in Naval Modernization

For the first time ever, two frontline surface combatants constructed simultaneously at two different premier Indian shipyards were commissioned on the same day. INS Udaygiri was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, while INS Himgiri was constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. This milestone underscores not only the growing shipbuilding prowess across India but also the synergy between two leading defense production hubs.

Project 17A: The Latest in Stealth and Combat Readiness

Both vessels belong to the Project 17A class, follow-on ships to the successful Project 17 (Shivalik) class frigates, representing a generational leap in design, stealth technology, weaponry, and sensor systems. They are designed to undertake the full spectrum of maritime missions in blue-water conditions, including anti-air, anti-ship, and anti-submarine warfare.

Key features include:

• Displacement and Dimensions: Each frigate displaces approximately 6,700 tons and measures about 149 meters in length.

• Stealth: Incorporate cutting-edge stealth shaping and sensor technology that significantly reduces radar cross-section, making detection by adversaries difficult.

• Armament: Equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for offensive operations, Barak-8 missile defense system for air threats, torpedoes, and anti-submarine rockets.

• Speed and Range: Top speeds of around 28 knots and an operational range exceeding 5,500 nautical miles, enabling sustained deployments across the Indian Ocean Region.

• Indigenous Content: Featuring over 75% indigenous components, reflecting India’s commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in defense manufacturing.

Strategic and Operational Significance

The commissioning strengthens the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet, enhancing its ability to safeguard maritime interests amidst evolving regional dynamics. The dual induction signals India’s technological advancement in naval architecture and reinforces its position as a significant maritime power capable of addressing conventional and emerging maritime threats.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted that these frigates underscore India’s vision of self-reliance and are vital to its policy of Neighborhood First and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security & Growth for All in the Region). They are also expected to play crucial roles in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions in the Indian Ocean.

Conclusion

INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri represent a historic stride in India’s naval modernization journey, blending advanced stealth features, powerful weaponry, and indigenous production. Their commissioning epitomizes India’s growing maritime capabilities and its readiness to protect national interests across the vast and strategically important Indian Ocean waters.