India Commissions Two Project 17A Multi-Mission Stealth Frigates — INS Udaygiri & INS Himgiri
In a landmark event showcasing India’s growing naval prowess and self-reliance in defence manufacturing, two state-of-the-art multi-mission stealth frigates — INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri — were commissioned into the Indian Navy on August 26, 2025, at the Naval Base in Visakhapatnam. The commissioning ceremony was graced by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, who hailed the development as a major stride towards building a future-ready and self-reliant naval force.
First-Ever Dual Commissioning of Indigenous Frigates
For the first time in Indian naval history, two frontline surface combatants built at two different shipyards were inducted together. INS Udaygiri was constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, while INS Himgiri was developed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata. This achievement reflects the seamless collaboration between shipyards and the Navy, underscoring India’s growing shipbuilding expertise.
Next-Generation Combat Capabilities
The frigates, part of the Project 17A class (successors to the Shivalik-class), are equipped with:
- Advanced stealth features and reduced radar signatures.
- Modern surveillance radars and electronic warfare suites.
- Supersonic surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missile systems.
- Rapid-fire gun systems.
- Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion for greater speed and fuel efficiency.
- A cutting-edge Integrated Platform Management System for enhanced operability.
Both ships boast over 75% indigenous content, sourced from Indian MSMEs and domestic Original Equipment Manufacturers, marking them as milestones in India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. They are the 100th and 101st warships designed in-house by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau.
Strategic Role in the Indian Ocean Region
Highlighting their importance, Raksha Mantri emphasized that the frigates would act as crucial assets across the full spectrum of maritime missions, including:
- Anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare.
- Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
- Anti-piracy, anti-smuggling, and anti-trafficking missions.
- Counter-maritime terrorism operations.
He asserted that the ships reinforce the Navy’s role as a “First Responder” and “Preferred Security Partner” in the Indian Ocean Region. Their induction sends a strong message of India’s readiness to safeguard its maritime borders and respond swiftly to any security challenge.
Aatmanirbhar Navy, Blue Water Aspirations
Calling the commissioning a “shining example of self-reliance,” the Defence Minister stated: “Aatmanirbharta is no longer just a slogan — it is becoming a ground reality. With each milestone, our Armed Forces are being strengthened under a futuristic vision.” He added that India does not follow aggressive expansionism but stands firm against any force that threatens its security.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi echoed this sentiment, noting that the double commissioning is clear evidence of India’s expanding maritime power. He stressed the Navy’s ability to act as a credible deterrent and highlighted its success during Operation Sindoor, where swift naval deployment effectively contained threats from across the western seaboard.
Linking Legacy with the Future
Both new frigates carry forward the legacy of their illustrious predecessors. The modern INS Udaygiri honors the earlier ship that served from 1976 to 2007, while INS Himgiri revives the name of the frigate that was in service from 1974 to 2005. Their commissioning strengthens India’s Eastern Fleet, with both vessels now part of the Eastern Naval Command, enhancing India’s operational reach in the Bay of Bengal and beyond.
Construction Timeline & Future Fleet
- INS Udaygiri: Keel laid on May 7, 2019 | Launched on May 17, 2022 | Delivered on July 1, 2025.
- INS Himgiri: Keel laid on November 10, 2018 | Launched on December 14, 2020 | Delivered on July 31, 2025.
Four additional Project 17A frigates are under construction at MDL and GRSE and are expected to join the Navy by mid-2026, further strengthening India’s maritime posture.
Strengthening India’s Blue Water Navy
The induction of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri marks a defining moment in India’s journey toward a Blue Water Navy. With cutting-edge technologies, indigenous content, and robust operational roles, these ships enhance India’s ability to project power, protect trade routes, and uphold peace and security across the Indian Ocean Region.
