In a significant development for India’s maritime defence capabilities, the Indian Navy is all set to commission two advanced Project 17A stealth frigates—INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri—on 26 August 2025 at Naval Base, Visakhapatnam. This unique dual commissioning, overseen by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marks the first time two major frontline surface combatants constructed at different Indian shipyards will be inducted simultaneously.
Project 17A: Stealth and Strength Combined
Successor to Shivalik-Class Frigates
- INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri are part of the Project 17A series, the advanced successors of the Project 17 (Shivalik-class) stealth frigates.
- These new warships represent a leap in naval design and combat capability, built to undertake multi-mission operations in Blue Water conditions.
Enhanced Features and Capabilities
- Enhanced stealth design to reduce radar signature.
- Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) for centralized monitoring.
- CODOG (Combined Diesel or Gas) propulsion system for high performance.
- Advanced weapons and sensor suites developed indigenously.
Udaygiri and Himgiri: Shipbuilding Excellence
Built at Premier Indian Shipyards
- INS Udaygiri was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL), Mumbai.
- INS Himgiri was constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
Honouring Naval Legacy
- Both ships are named after distinguished predecessors, INS Udaygiri (F35) and INS Himgiri (F34).
- By reviving these names, the Indian Navy pays tribute to its past while symbolically advancing its future capability.
Design Milestone and Indigenous Innovation
100th Warship by Warship Design Bureau
- INS Udaygiri is particularly notable as the 100th warship designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB).
- The in-house expertise developed over the years has positioned India among nations capable of designing, building, and operating complex warships independently.
Strategic Significance for Eastern Seaboard
Strengthening the Eastern Fleet
- Post-commissioning, both Udaygiri and Himgiri will be inducted into the Eastern Fleet, enhancing India’s maritime readiness and surveillance capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- This move also highlights the growing strategic focus on India’s eastern seaboard amid evolving regional security dynamics.
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams
- Indian Navy to commission two advanced Project 17A stealth frigates—INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri—in August 2025.
- The frigates boast enhanced stealth design, advanced weapons, and 75% indigenous content.
- INS Udaygiri is the 100th warship designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau.
- Both ships, with illustrious names, will strengthen India’s maritime capabilities in the Eastern Fleet.
