The Indian Navy is significantly bolstering its maritime capabilities with the commissioning of two new multi-mission stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri. These advanced warships, products of the Navy's Project 17A, were commissioned on August 26, 2025, at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam. This event marks the first time that two major surface combatants constructed at different shipyards have been commissioned simultaneously, highlighting India's growing prowess in indigenous warship design and construction.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presided over the commissioning ceremony, emphasizing India's commitment to strengthening its maritime security and economic growth. He underscored that India has never believed in "aggressive expansionism" and has never attacked any country first, but it knows how to respond when its security is threatened. He also noted the Navy's role extends beyond guarding borders to ensuring economic security, particularly concerning energy requirements and trade routes.

INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri are follow-on ships of the Shivalik-class frigates (Project 17), incorporating significant upgrades in design, stealth capabilities, weaponry, and sensor systems. These frigates are designed to execute a full spectrum of maritime missions in "blue water" conditions, signifying their ability to operate in the deep sea, far from India's shores.

Key Features and Capabilities

• Stealth Technology: Both frigates feature advanced stealth technology, including a hull design with a reduced radar cross-section, making them difficult to detect. They also incorporate structural, thermal, and acoustic stealth features.
• Weapons Systems: The frigates are equipped with a sophisticated array of weapons, including supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, a 76 mm main gun, and close-in weapon systems. They also have BrahMos supersonic missiles and Barak-8 air defense systems.
• Sensors and Radars: These warships are equipped with modern radars, sonar (Humsa-NG), and Shakti Electronic Warfare suite. They also feature multi-mission surveillance radar, airborne early warning radar, and surface surveillance radar.
• Propulsion and Performance: The frigates utilize a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, enabling speeds of up to 28 knots. They have an endurance of 5,500 nautical miles at economical speed.
• Displacement and Size: The frigates have a displacement of approximately 6,670 tonnes and a length of 149 meters.
• Indigenous Content: The construction of these frigates aligns with the "Make in India" initiative, with approximately 75% of their equipment and systems sourced from indigenous firms, involving over 200 MSMEs.

Individual Highlights

• INS Udaygiri: Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, INS Udaygiri is the second stealth frigate under Project 17A. It is the 100th warship designed by the Navy's Warship Design Bureau. Udaygiri was completed in a record 37 months after launch, showcasing the efficiency of modular construction techniques. Its pennant number is F35.
• INS Himgiri: Constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, INS Himgiri is the first of the Project 17A ships to be built at that shipyard.

These frigates can support naval helicopters like the MH-60 Romeo and ALH Dhruv Mk-III, enhancing their roles in reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and search and rescue missions. The commissioning of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri is expected to significantly enhance India's maritime capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region, reinforcing the nation's commitment to maintaining a strong and secure presence at sea.