On 26 August 2025, the Indian Navy will commission INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, two advanced stealth frigates under Project 17A, marking a historic first for simultaneous ship commissioning.
Overview:
On 26 August 2025, the port city of Visakhapatnam will witness a milestone in India’s maritime journey. The Indian Navy will commission two major frontline frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, highlighting India’s naval modernization and defense production self-reliance.
Two Ships, Two Shipyards
- INS Udaygiri: Second ship in the Project 17A series built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
- INS Himgiri: First P17A frigate constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
Advanced Design and Stealth Capabilities
- Displacement: 6,700 tonnes, 5% larger than Shivalik-class ships.
- Stealth Features: Reduced radar signatures.
- Propulsion: CODOG system for cruising and speed.
- Operations: Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) for seamless operations.
Formidable Combat Power
- Armament: Supersonic and medium-range missiles, 76 mm main gun, close-in weapon systems, and advanced anti-submarine warfare systems.
Boost to Industry and Jobs
- Industrial Network: Involvement of 200+ MSMEs.
- Job Creation: Around 4,000 direct and 10,000+ indirect jobs.
Readiness Through Rigorous Trials
- Trials: Extensive testing of hull integrity, propulsion, navigation, communication, firefighting, and damage control systems.
Part of a Bigger 2025 Naval Modernisation Drive
- Recent Inductions: Destroyer INS Surat, Frigate INS Nilgiri, Submarine INS Vaghsheer, ASW Shallow Water Craft INS Arnala, Diving Support Vessel INS Nistar.
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams:
- Indian Navy to commission INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri on 26 August 2025 under Project 17A.
- The frigates boast advanced design, stealth capabilities, and formidable combat power.
- These ships signify a boost to India’s defense manufacturing and job creation.
- Their readiness through rigorous trials showcases operational efficiency in challenging maritime environments.
- The commissioning aligns with India’s broader naval modernization drive in 2025.
