New Delhi: In a landmark moment for India’s maritime defence capability, the Indian Navy will commission two advanced Project 17A stealth frigates—Udaygiri (F35) and Himgiri (F34)—on 26 August 2025 at Visakhapatnam. This will be the first time that two major surface combatants from two different premier Indian shipyards will be commissioned simultaneously, underscoring the country’s accelerated naval modernisation and the success of the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Shipyard Excellence: MDL and GRSE Deliver Cutting-Edge Ships
Udaygiri, the second ship in the Project 17A series built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, will share the commissioning stage with Himgiri, the first P17A ship constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. Notably, Udaygiri represents the 100th warship design by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, marking a proud milestone in indigenous naval design.
Stealth, Power, and Advanced Weapons
Displacing around 6,700 tonnes, the P17A frigates are about 5% larger than their Shivalik-class predecessors, yet incorporate an advanced stealth form that reduces radar cross-section. Both ships are powered by Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion plants—integrating diesel engines and gas turbines—linked to controllable-pitch propellers and managed via an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).
Their formidable weapon suites include:
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Supersonic Surface-to-Surface Missiles (SSMs)
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Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs)
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76 mm Medium Range Gun
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30 mm and 12.7 mm Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS)
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Over-the-side and towed array sonar-based ASW and underwater systems
Driving Industry and Employment
Beyond their military capabilities, Udaygiri and Himgiri reflect the strength of India’s defence-industrial base. Their construction engaged an ecosystem of over 200 MSMEs, supporting 4,000 direct jobs and more than 10,000 indirect jobs—boosting regional economies and building skills in advanced naval engineering.
A Year of Indigenous Naval Milestones
The dual commissioning crowns a remarkable year for indigenous shipbuilding. In 2025 alone, the Navy has inducted the INS Surat (destroyer), INS Nilgiri (frigate), INS Vaghsheer (submarine), INS Arnala (ASW Shallow Water Craft), and INS Nistar (Diving Support Vessel). Rigorous trials have ensured that both frigates meet exacting operational standards for hull integrity, machinery, navigation, and combat readiness.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Indian Navy
The commissioning of Udaygiri and Himgiri will be more than a ceremonial addition to the fleet—it will be a visible symbol of India’s ability to design, build, and field world-class warships independently. As these two grey hulls join the Navy’s frontline, they will carry a clear message across the seas: India’s oceans are guarded by Indian-built ships, designed by Indians, for India’s security and global presence.
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Source: PIB
