Indian Navy to Commission Stealth Frigates Udaygiri and Himgiri in Historic Twin Induction
The Indian Navy will commission two advanced stealth frigates—INS Udaygiri (F35) and INS Himgiri (F34)—on 26 August 2025 at Visakhapatnam. The development represents India's first-ever twin commissioning of two major surface warships from various Indian shipyards, marking the country's fast-paced naval modernisation.
The milestone is a strong assertion of India's increasing ability to design, construct, and deliver advanced warships domestically—an accomplishment strongly embedded in the 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' programs.
Two Shipyards, One Vision
INS Udaygiri, the second ship in the Project 17A class of stealth frigates, has been built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) at Mumbai. On the other hand, INS Himgiri is the first ship from its class to be constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. Commissioning of Udaygiri also carries special meaning because it is the 100th warship designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau—a benchmark that highlights decades of innovation and excellence.
Next-Generation Power and Stealth
With a displacement of approximately 6,700 tonnes, the Project 17A frigates are approximately 5% bigger than the earlier Shivalik-class, but with an aerodynamically improved design and smaller radar cross-section to maximize stealth.
The warships are equipped with Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion machinery, combining diesel engines and gas turbines to power controllable-pitch propellers, all controlled by an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).
Their robust weapons system includes:
- Supersonic surface-to-surface missiles
- Medium-range surface-to-air missiles
- 76 mm medium-range gun
- Close-in weapon systems (30 mm and 12.7 mm)
- Advanced anti-submarine and underwater weapon systems
- Driving India's Defence Industry
The development of Udaygiri and Himgiri has driven a huge industrial network, engaging more than 200 MSMEs and creating 4,000 direct and over 10,000 indirect employment opportunities. This ecosystem not only consolidates the defence industry but also enhances India's industrial self-reliance.
A Year of Indigenous Naval Milestones
The twin commissioning is in the aftermath of an incredible year for the Indian Navy with some indigenous platforms commissioning during 2025 itself—INS Surat (destroyer), INS Nilgiri (frigate), INS Vaghsheer (submarine), INS Arnala (ASW shallow water craft), and INS Nistar (diving support vessel). Extensive sea trials for both Udaygiri and Himgiri have confirmed their hull integrity, machinery performance, preparedness to fight fires, damage control ability, and sophisticated navigation and communication systems.
More Than a Ceremony
The commissioning at Visakhapatnam will be more than a naval ritual—it will be a celebration of India's maritime independence. When these two grey leviathans enter the fleet, they will carry with them a clear message: India's seas are protected by ships designed, built, and manned by Indians.
This historic induction is not merely a matter of adding muscle to the Navy's arsenal—it's about securing India's status as an emerging maritime power of the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
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