Multi-mission stealth frigates – INS Udaygiri & INS Himgiri – commissioned into Indian Navy in the presence of Raksha Mantri in Vizag..Equipped with next-gen weapons & systems, the ships to enhance Navy’s ability to safeguard national interests across full spectrum of maritime missions…These frigates would reinforce its role as First Responder & Preferred Security Partner in Indian Ocean Region“INS Udaygiri & INS Himgiri are shining examples of Govt’s self-reliance resolve”As a testimony to India’s growing shipbuilding prowess and its march towards self-reliance, two multi-mission stealth frigates of Project 17A – INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri – were commissioned into the Indian Navy in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at the Naval Base, Visakhapatnam on August 26, 2025. It was for the first time that two frontline surface combatants indigenously constructed by two different shipyards – Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai [INS Udaygiri] and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata [INS Himgiri] – were commissioned simultaneously.
Raksha Mantri exuded confidence that these warships will not only strengthen the security system and safeguard maritime interests, but will also assist in Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief missions. He stated that the commissioning bolsters India’s policy of Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security & Growth for All in the Region). These frigates, which will enhance the capability of the Indian Navy, send a message that India is fully capable of protecting its maritime borders and is ready to respond immediately to any situation,” Aatmanirbhar Navy..INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri follow INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of the successor class to Project 17 (Shivalik class). They incorporate improved stealth features, reduced radar signatures, advanced surveillance radars and electronic warfare suites, supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles and rapid-fire gun systems. Both ships feature Combined Diesel or Gas propulsion plants and a state-of-the-art Integrated Platform Management System, enabling higher speeds and improved fuel efficiency.These are the 100th and 101st warships designed in-house by the Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy, and built in India, reflecting the Navy’s continuous effort to enhance indigenous content and self-reliance. High indigenous content — exceeding 75% — has been achieved through the participation of numerous MSMEs and the procurement of major weapons and sensors from Indian Original Equipment Manufacturers…Raksha Mantri described the commissioning as a giant stride towards the realisation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s dream of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and a proof of the Government’s vision & commitment. “INS Udaygiri & INS Himgiri are the shining examples of the Government’s firm resolve towards self-reliance, symbols of a transformative movement, and testament to the vision that the nation will touch greater heights & obtain the goal of self-reliance with concerted efforts of all stakeholders,” he said, commending the seamless collaboration between MDL and GRSE in constructing and delivering the two potent warships.
Blue Water Navy
The multi-mission frigates are crucial operational enablers that will enhance the Navy’s ability to safeguard national interests across the full spectrum of maritime missions. They are equipped with next-generation weapons, sensors and integrated platform management systems, are ready to perform anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, sea-control and humanitarian operations.
Rajnath Singh asserted that the commissioning of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri not only strengthens the Navy’s combat potential but reinforces its role as a “First Responder” and “Preferred Security Partner” in the Indian Ocean Region. “From combating piracy, fighting against smuggling and illegal trafficking, curbing maritime terrorism, or providing relief after a natural disaster, these warships will prove to be a game-changer in complex and risky operations,”Raksha Mantri dubbed the Indian Navy as a symbol of India’s maritime power as it is safeguarding the country’s interests amidst the Naval activities being witnessed from Arabian Sea to Middle East and eastern African seaboard. “The geo-strategic condition is such that it has the capability to directly impact our economic development. Our energy requirements, oil and natural gas depend to a large extent on the security…INS Udaygiri’s keel was laid on May 07, 2019 and the ship was launched on May 17, 2022. INS Himgiri’s keel laid on November 10, 2018 and the ship was launched on December 14, 2020. Both ships underwent a comprehensive schedule of trials in harbour and at sea prior delivery to the Indian Navy on July 01, 2025 and July 31, 2025 respectively. The balance four ships of the Class are at various stages of construction at MDL & GRSE and would be delivered to the Indian Navy
