India has commissioned two multi-mission stealth frigates—INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri—into the Indian Navy, marking a significant milestone in the country’s defence self-reliance. Built under Project 17A, the warships were constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited in Kolkata, respectively. This is the first time two frontline surface combatants from different shipyards have been commissioned simultaneously.
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, who presided over the commissioning ceremony at the Naval Base in Visakhapatnam, stated that the frigates will enhance India’s maritime security and support humanitarian missions. He emphasized that the ships reflect the government’s commitment to Aatmanirbharta, with over 75 percent indigenous content sourced from Indian manufacturers and MSMEs.
INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri are equipped with advanced stealth features, reduced radar signatures, supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles, rapid-fire gun systems, and electronic warfare suites. Their propulsion systems combine diesel and gas technologies, supported by an Integrated Platform Management System for improved speed and fuel efficiency.
These vessels are the 100th and 101st warships designed in-house by the Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy. They will join the Eastern Fleet, enhancing India’s operational readiness in the Bay of Bengal and the broader Indian Ocean Region. The ships are capable of executing anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare, as well as sea-control and disaster relief operations.
The commissioning follows successful sea trials and delivery to the Navy in July 2025. Four additional ships of the same class are under construction and expected to be delivered by mid-2026. The new frigates carry forward the legacy of their predecessors, linking India’s maritime heritage with its future aspirations.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi described the commissioning as a demonstration of India’s ability to deliver overwhelming force from the sea. He cited Operation Sindoor as evidence of the Navy’s deterrence capability, noting that swift deployment had constrained adversarial actions and led to a cessation of hostilities.
Rajnath Singh reiterated that India does not believe in aggressive expansionism but will respond decisively to threats. He referenced the successful response to terrorist attacks in Pahalgam and affirmed that the operation remains ongoing. He also highlighted the evolving nature of warfare and the government’s focus on research and development to ensure technological superiority.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, senior Navy officers, and veterans. The event underscored India’s growing confidence in indigenous shipbuilding and its resolve to operate platforms that meet global standards. With INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri now in service, the Indian Navy has further strengthened its role as a first responder and preferred security partner in the region.
