Visakhapatnam, August 26, 2025: In a historic stride for India’s maritime power, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned two next-generation stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri into active service at the Eastern Naval Command. The dual induction marks the first-ever simultaneous commissioning of frontline warships from two different Indian shipyards, underlining the Navy’s growing self-reliance and shipbuilding prowess.

The Project 17A Legacy

Both vessels belong to the Project 17A class of stealth frigates, successors to the Shivalik-class, and are among the most advanced warships in Asia today. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, these ships feature cutting-edge radar-absorbing design, reduced acoustic signatures, and advanced automation.

With more than 75% indigenous content, the frigates integrate a wide spectrum of Indian technologies ranging from sensors and weapons to hull and propulsion systems. Defence Minister Singh hailed them as “floating F-35s,” emphasizing their agility, stealth, and combat power.

INS Udaygiri: A Milestone Ship

INS Udaygiri carries symbolic importance as the 100th warship designed by the Warship Design Bureau, a milestone in India’s naval design journey. Named after the Udaygiri mountain ranges in Andhra Pradesh, it reflects India’s resolve to blend tradition with cutting-edge innovation.

INS Himgiri: Strength from the Himalayas

INS Himgiri, named after the majestic Himalayan peaks, represents endurance and steadfastness. Built at GRSE Kolkata, it stands as a testament to the shipyard’s engineering excellence and its decades-long contribution to the Indian Navy.

Combat Capabilities

Armed with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system, Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles, advanced torpedo launchers, electronic warfare suites, and stealth-enhanced guns, these frigates offer a multi-layered combat punch. Their sensors allow 360-degree surveillance, while the flight deck and hangar can host advanced helicopters for anti-submarine warfare and search-and-rescue missions.

These capabilities make them versatile platforms, equally adept at deterring hostile navies, securing sea lanes of communication, or providing humanitarian aid in crises.

Strategic Significance

The commissioning strengthens India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). With threats ranging from piracy to grey-zone warfare and increasing Chinese naval forays into the Indo-Pacific, India’s twin frigates add credibility to its deterrence and outreach strategy.

Defence Minister Singh also reaffirmed that “no future Indian Navy warship will be built abroad”, signalling a decisive push toward Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence.

Looking Ahead

With the addition of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, the Navy not only boosts its combat edge but also reinforces confidence in indigenous shipbuilding. Together, these frigates embody a vision of strategic autonomy, technological advancement, and maritime dominance, setting the tone for India’s blue-water aspirations by 2030.