By Krishika Dinesh Rathod
The Indian Navy marked a historic milestone on 26th of August 2025, with the induction of two advanced stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, at Visakhapatnam under the Eastern Naval Command. This was the first occasion when two frontline warships, built at separate shipyards, entered service together.
Both vessels are part of the Project 17A Nilgiri class frigates, which follow the earlier Shivalik class. These ships showcase cutting-edge advancements in stealth features, hull design, weapons, and electronic warfare systems, giving them the ability to operate across the full range of maritime missions.
INS Udaygiri, built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, holds special significance as it is the 100th warship designed by the Navy’s in-house Warship Design Bureau, reflecting decades of indigenous design expertise. INS Himgiri, constructed at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, is the first P17A vessel from that yard, underscoring India’s shipbuilding capacity on both coasts.
Both frigates are heavily armed, carrying BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Long Range Surface to Air Missiles (LRSAMs), torpedo launchers, and rapid fire guns. Their state-of-the-art surveillance, communication, and combat management systems enable them to engage in surface, air, and underwater warfare simultaneously.
A key highlight of these ships is their high level of indigenous content, over 75 percent, with nearly 200 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) contributing to their construction. This effort not only strengthens the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision but also creates significant employment, with more than 4,000 direct and 10,000 indirect jobs generated in the process.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while commissioning the ships, described them as “unparalleled guardians of the sea.” Their induction significantly enhances the Navy’s capacity to safeguard national interests in the Indian Ocean Region, while also boosting humanitarian and disaster relief operations when needed.
The commissioning of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri is more than just an operational addition to the fleet. It symbolizes India’s growing confidence in indigenous warship design and construction and its commitment to becoming a stronger maritime power.