On Tuesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inducted two modern multi-mission stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, into the Indian Navy. The induction of these warships marks a big step in boosting India’s naval power and highlights the nation’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Describing the commissioning as “a reflection of the dream of a self-reliant India coming true,” Singh said it shows “our vision and dedication.” For the first time, the Navy has inducted two frontline warships, constructed at two separate shipyards, on the same day. The move also underlines the importance of the eastern seaboard and the success of collaboration between leading Indian shipyards. “The journey of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri from Visakhapatnam today is a journey of India’s pride. This commissioning is a moment of honour for all of us,” Singh said.
Advanced capabilities of Udaygiri and Himgiri
Both ships are part of the Project 17A class, which builds on the earlier Project 17 (Shivalik) class frigates. These warships bring major advancements in design, stealth features, weapons, and sensor systems, making them capable of handling all kinds of maritime missions in blue water operations. “These frigates are packed with advanced systems. They have their own rocket and torpedo launchers, fire control systems, battle management systems, long-range surface-to-air missiles, and supersonic BrahMos missiles. I am confident they will prove to be game-changers in difficult and risky sea operations,” Singh noted. The ships are powered by Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion plants and are fitted with an Integrated Platform Management System along with several advanced indigenous weapons and sensors. Singh called them “invincible guardians of the sea” and said their induction would enhance the strength, reach, and resilience of the Navy.
Indigenous construction and legacy
The frigates carry about 75 per cent indigenous content, supported by hundreds of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This showcases the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision in defence. Udaygiri, built by Mazagon Dock in Mumbai, became the fastest of its class to be delivered after launch through modular construction methods. Himgiri was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. Both were designed in-house by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau. The ships are named after their predecessors, INS Udaygiri (F35) and INS Himgiri (F34), which served India for over 30 years before being retired, in observance of naval history. In addition, Udaygiri is the bureau’s 100th ship, a significant milestone in the 50 years of domestic warship design. Bringing attention to India’s maritime identity, Singh said, “Our nation’s strength lies not only on land but also at sea. Surrounded by water on three sides and with over 11,000 km of coastline, India is naturally a maritime nation. Our future, prosperity, and security are linked to the seas.” He added that the Navy protects the coast and ensures peace and stability across the Indian Ocean region.
Role in security and Operation Sindoor
More than 200 MSMEs were involved in the initiative, which produced over 10,000 indirect and close to 4,000 direct jobs. India will be better equipped to protect its interests in the Indian Ocean Region after the two frigates are put into service and join the Eastern Fleet. Rajnath Singh also linked the induction to India’s recent military action during Operation Sindoor, carried out after the Pahalgam terror attack. He said, “That attack was done to provoke us. But after careful thought, we gave an effective response. We destroyed terrorist hideouts through Operation Sindoor. He praised the quick deployment of naval assets during the operation, saying it showed India’s readiness. “We have never attacked another nation first, but when our security is threatened, we know how to respond firmly,” Singh said.
He concluded that INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri are not just new ships but proof that India is fully capable of defending its seas. He added that the Navy is not only about guarding waters but also ensuring economic stability, as India’s energy and trade routes depend on secure seas.
