The Indian Navy is set to commission two advanced multi-mission stealth frigates, Udaygiri and Himgiri, under Project 17A at Naval Base Visakhapatnam. This unprecedented dual commissioning of frontline surface combatants built at separate shipyards highlights the strategic rise of India’s eastern seaboard and the nation’s expanding maritime capabilities.
Udaygiri, constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. in Mumbai, and Himgiri, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers in Kolkata, represent a leap in indigenous shipbuilding. Udaygiri holds the distinction of being the fastest ship of her class to be delivered post-launch, attributed to modular construction techniques. Both vessels are successors to the Shivalik-class frigates and are named after their distinguished predecessors INS Udaygiri (F35) and INS Himgiri (F34), which served the nation for over three decades.
Designed in-house by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, Udaygiri is the 100th ship to emerge from the bureau’s five-decade legacy. The frigates feature Combined Diesel or Gas propulsion systems, Integrated Platform Management Systems, and a suite of advanced weapons and sensors developed by Indian manufacturers. With approximately 75% indigenous content supported by hundreds of MSMEs, the ships embody the Government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision in defence manufacturing.
Upon commissioning, Udaygiri and Himgiri will join the Eastern Fleet, enhancing India’s combat readiness and reinforcing its maritime posture across the Indian Ocean Region. The ceremony will be presided over by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh.
