INS Himgiri and INS Udaygiri: India commissions indigenous stealth frigates to Navy

India took another big step in strengthening its defence power as the Navy welcomed two new indigenously built stealth frigates — INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri. Commissioned at Visakhapatnam Naval Base in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, these advanced warships are a strong symbol of India’s self-reliance in defence production. Built under Project 17A, both ships bring cutting-edge technology, heavy firepower, and stealth capability to the Indian Ocean.

What makes INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri special?

INS Udaygiri has been built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, while INS Himgiri comes from Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. Both belong to the Nilgiri-class Project 17A frigates, which are designed by the Navy’s own Warship Design Bureau.

INS Udaygiri is the second ship of this project and also the 100th vessel designed by Indian experts. Named after the Udaygiri mountain range in Andhra Pradesh, this ship carries forward the name of the first INS Udaygiri, which served from 1976 to 2007. Its construction began in December 2017, and impressively, it was completed in just 37 months.

Key features of INS Udaygiri:

• Weight (displacement): About 6,700 tonnes

• Advanced stealth design to reduce radar, sound, and heat detection

• Propelled by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) system, combining efficiency and speed

• Weapons: BrahMos supersonic anti-ship missiles, Barak 8 surface-to-air missiles, 76 mm main gun, Close-In Weapon Systems, and advanced anti-submarine warfare systems

• Around 75% indigenous content, with Indian-made sensors, weapons, and management systems

The building of Udaygiri gave jobs to thousands: nearly 4,000 direct jobs and 10,000 indirect jobs, and also included more than 200 small and medium industries (MSMEs). It stands as proof of the Make in India initiative making real progress in defence.

INS Himgiri, on the other hand, is the first Project 17A frigate from GRSE in Kolkata. It continues the name of the original INS Himgiri, which served from 1974 to 2005. The new vessel was launched in December 2020 and delivered in July 2025, also with 75% indigenous content.

Key features of INS Himgiri:

• Weight: Around 6,670 tonnes

• Length: 149 metres

• Modern stealth technology to avoid detection

• Same CODOG propulsion system, capable of speeds above 28 knots for long missions

• Weapons: BrahMos missiles, Barak 8 air defence system, torpedo tubes, Close-In Weapon Systems, and rocket launchers for anti-submarine warfare

• Equipped with aviation facilities for MH-60 Romeo, ALH Dhruv Mk-III, and Sea King helicopters, useful for reconnaissance, anti-submarine operations, and rescue missions

Both ships are armed to handle threats from air, sea, and under the sea, making them powerful multi-role warships.

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Why stealth frigates matter for India’s security

A stealth frigate is not just another warship. It is built using advanced design and special materials so that enemy radar, heat sensors, or sonar systems cannot easily detect it. These ships are harder to spot, harder to track, and harder to target. In modern warfare, where the first strike can decide the outcome, stealth means survival.

The Indian Navy’s move to induct these ships is not just about firepower but also about strategy and presence. India sits at the centre of the Indo-Pacific, a region where both traditional rivalries and new security threats are constantly rising. From piracy to submarine threats, from hostile surveillance to sudden missile attacks — the challenges are diverse. Stealth frigates like INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri give India an edge by allowing quiet monitoring, surprise action, and reliable defence.

The Defence Ministry has also highlighted that these ships show India’s growing ability to build complex warships at home, instead of depending on foreign suppliers. With 75% of the content being indigenous, these frigates prove that Indian industries — from big shipyards to small MSMEs — can deliver high-technology products that meet global standards.

This also has a huge economic impact. Apart from job creation, it ensures money is spent within the country, strengthens local industries, and builds long-term capability. It reduces dependence on foreign technology and brings India closer to becoming a self-reliant naval power.

But beyond economics and strategy, these ships also carry symbolic value. The names Udaygiri and Himgiri remind us of India’s geography and legacy. They show that our mountains and seas are connected in protecting the nation. Their arrival is not just a technical upgrade but also a morale booster for the armed forces and the country as a whole.

Conclusion: A strong signal from India’s seas

At ArthPrakash, we see the commissioning of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri as more than just a defence story. It is a clear signal of India’s intent to safeguard its seas, strengthen its Navy, and support its industries. These stealth frigates will act as guardians in the Indo-Pacific, ensuring India is prepared for both conventional and unconventional challenges.

The commissioning also underlines the success of Project 17A, proving that India can now design and build sophisticated warships at home. As the Navy continues to modernise, such achievements show that the country is no longer a buyer but a builder of advanced naval technology.

In a world where maritime dominance often decides global power, India has sent a message: our seas are secure, our industry is capable, and our Navy is ready for the future.