India recently commissioned the INS Udaygiri, the second stealth frigate under Project 17A, showcasing advanced capabilities in maritime security and indigenous defence production.
Key Features of INS Udaygiri
- Project: Part of Project 17A, a class of stealth-guided missile frigates.
- Design & Build: Designed by Warship Design Bureau; built by MDSL, Mumbai.
- Delivery Time: Delivered in record 37 months from its launch.
- Stealth Capabilities: Advanced stealth shaping and sensors to reduce radar signature.
Weapons Suite
- Supersonic surface-to-surface missiles
- Medium-range surface-to-air missiles (MR-SAM)
- 76 mm main gun
- Close-in Weapon Systems (CIWS) — 30 mm and 12.7 mm rapid-fire guns
Indigenous Manufacturing Highlights
- Major weapons and sensors are Indian-made.
- Over 200 MSMEs contributed to design, systems, and construction.
- Supported by a robust domestic defence ecosystem.
Project 17A Overview
- Successor to: Project 17 (Shivalik-class frigates)
- Total Ships: 7 ships under P-17A, being built at MDSL and GRSE (Kolkata).
- Delivery Target: Remaining 5 ships to be delivered by the end of 2026.
- Objective: Enhance India’s blue-water naval capabilities (deep ocean operational strength).
Legacy
- Named after the former INS Udaygiri, decommissioned in 2007 after 31 years of service.
- Reflects a balance of modernization and heritage.
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams
- INS Udaygiri, part of Project 17A, demonstrates India’s advancements in maritime security and defence production.
- The frigate boasts advanced stealth capabilities and a predominantly Indian-made weapons suite.
- Project 17A aims to enhance India’s naval strength with a focus on blue-water operations.
- Over 200 MSMEs contributed to the construction, highlighting the domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem.
