INS Himgiri.
Indian Navy Stealth Frigates INS Himgiri, INS Udaygiri: In a landmark event that underscores India’s growing maritime strength, two indigenously built multi-mission stealth frigates—INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri—were commissioned into the Indian Navy on August 26, 2025. The momentous occasion took place at the Naval Base in Visakhapatnam, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presiding over the ceremony. This event marked a historic first: two frontline surface combatants, built by two different Indian shipyards, were commissioned simultaneously.
A Milestone for India’s Shipbuilding and Self-Reliance
INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, both part of Project 17A, are a testament to India’s growing shipbuilding prowess and its push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing. These advanced frigates were constructed at two of the country’s premier shipyards: INS Udaygiri at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, and INS Himgiri at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) in Kolkata. Their simultaneous commissioning marks a significant leap in India’s ambition to not only expand its naval capabilities but also to reduce dependency on foreign defense technology.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in his address, expressed confidence that these warships would enhance India’s maritime defense and security across the full spectrum of naval operations. “These frigates will bolster our security architecture and serve as a force multiplier in safeguarding national interests, from anti-air and anti-surface operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions,” said Singh.
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Strategic Significance in a Changing Maritime Environment
INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri come equipped with next-generation weapons and systems, designed to perform a wide range of missions—from combating piracy and terrorism to humanitarian aid and disaster relief. Their advanced stealth features, reduced radar signatures, and superior surveillance radar systems provide the Indian Navy with an unmatched edge in naval warfare and defense capabilities.
“These ships will prove to be game-changers, not just in terms of naval combat potential, but also in safeguarding India’s interests in the Indian Ocean Region,” Singh noted, adding that the commissioning of these frigates reinforces India’s role as a “First Responder” and a “Preferred Security Partner” in the region.
The new warships also serve to fortify India’s maritime policy—Neighbourhood First—and contribute to the MAHASAGAR initiative (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security & Growth for All in the Region), which aims to promote regional security and economic prosperity.
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Indigenization at its Core: A Game-Changer for India’s Navy
These ships are not only a marvel of engineering but also a monumental achievement in the journey towards self-reliance in defense. Both frigates were designed by the Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy and boast more than 75% indigenous content, reflecting the active participation of numerous MSMEs and local defense manufacturers.
The advanced systems aboard the ships include supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles, rapid-fire gun systems, and state-of-the-art electronic warfare suites. Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion plants ensure higher speeds and improved fuel efficiency, while the Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) allows for seamless operation and control of the ship’s various systems.
As a result of this indigenization effort, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri represent the 100th and 101st warships designed and built in India, signaling India’s growing confidence and expertise in constructing world-class naval platforms. These ships are not just about military might; they signify India’s strategic vision to assert itself as a dominant maritime power in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
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Indian Navy INS Udaygiri.
A Symbol of Maritime Power: Navy’s Growing Role in National Security
Rajnath Singh, during the commissioning ceremony, described the Indian Navy as a key pillar of national security, emphasizing its role in safeguarding India’s economic interests—particularly in ensuring the security of vital energy supplies from the Arabian Sea and the Eastern African seaboard. “Our economic growth is directly linked to the security of our maritime borders,” he said.
The Navy’s growing footprint across critical global maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Malacca Strait, further enhances its strategic importance. Singh added that these newly inducted warships would serve not only to protect India’s territorial waters but also to provide support for maritime security initiatives in the region.
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Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi’s Vision for a Stronger Navy
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, speaking at the ceremony, highlighted the significance of the simultaneous induction of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, terming it as a clear sign of the Indian Navy’s growing operational readiness and its expanding footprint in the Indo-Pacific. He also underscored the Navy’s vital role in providing a credible deterrent against adversaries.
Admiral Tripathi reflected on the Navy’s proven ability to project power, recalling the success of Operation Sindoor, where swift deployment and strategic positioning of Indian naval assets constrained the Pakistan Navy, demonstrating India’s naval capability and resolve.
“India’s maritime security is in safe hands. We are fully equipped to handle any threats, be it from traditional military adversaries or unconventional challenges like piracy, smuggling, and maritime terrorism,” said Admiral Tripathi.
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INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri: Heritage Meets Innovation
Both warships carry the names of their illustrious predecessors, continuing the rich tradition of the Indian Navy. INS Udaygiri pays tribute to its predecessor, which served the nation from 1976 to 2007, while INS Himgiri honors the legacy of the original ship that was in commission from 1974 to 2005.
This naming reflects the Navy’s reverence for its history while symbolizing the future of India’s maritime power. With the induction of these modern frigates, the Navy has firmly established itself as a dominant force in the Indian Ocean Region.
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Looking Ahead: A Robust Maritime Future
With the commissioning of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, the Indian Navy has significantly boosted its combat capabilities. The two ships will be inducted into the Eastern Fleet, enhancing the Navy’s ability to swiftly respond to maritime contingencies across the Bay of Bengal and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
The ongoing construction of the remaining four ships of the Project 17A class at MDL and GRSE further underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its indigenous naval capabilities. The remaining ships are expected to be delivered by mid-2026, further consolidating India’s position as a maritime power capable of projecting force, ensuring regional stability, and defending national interests.
As India continues its quest for a stronger, more self-reliant defense infrastructure, the commissioning of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri stands as a beacon of progress in the country’s journey toward becoming a formidable naval force on the global stage.
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