In a boost to the Indian Navy’s fleet, the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday commissioned INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri at the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The multi-mission stealth frigates INS Udaygiri and INS Himagiri come from the Indian Navy's latest state-of-the-art Project 17 A, and the commissioning marks the first occasion when two frontline surface combatants constructed at two different shipyards were commissioned simultaneously.
INS Udaygiri is the 100th ship designed by the Navy's Warship Design Bureau (WDB), marking a milestone in 50 years of indigenous warship design. The two stealth frigates are follow-on ships of the Project 17 (Shivalik) class frigates, and both the vessels incorporate significant improvements in design, stealth, weapon, and sensor systems, capable of executing a full spectrum of maritime missions in 'blue water' conditions, as stated by the Defence officials.
"The geo-strategic situation here (western region) is such that it also has the ability to directly influence our economic development. Our energy requirements, oil, natural gas, all depend on the security of this region to a great extent. Therefore, the role of the Navy is not only limited to the protection of the sea, but it is also a major pillar of our national economic security," Singh said.
He said the power play going on in the Indian Ocean "frequently alerts us." Here interests of several countries clash. And due to this, there is a need for India to strengthen its maritime preparedness.
"India has always given the message of peace to the world. India never wages war from its side. History shows it. If anyone poses a challenge to the country's peace and security then we know to give a befitting reply and will continue to do so," he asserted.
"Two state-of-the-art combatant platforms join the Indian Navy fleet, fortifying India’s strength at sea..." said the Indian Navy in a post on 'X' late on Monday.
Also Read: Udaygiri, Himgiri: Stealth frigates to be commissioned by Navy
Udaygiri is the second ship from Project 17A stealth frigates and was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. While Himgiri is the first of P17A ships to be constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. Both the frigates represent a generational leap over earlier designs.
Udaygiri also holds the distinction of being the fastest ship of her class to be delivered post-launch, a result of the modular construction methodology adopted by Indian shipyards. Displacing about 6,700 tons, the P17A class frigates are roughly five per cent larger than their predecessor Shivalik-class frigates, incorporating a sleeker form with a reduced radar cross section. The frigates also feature a suite of advanced weapons and sensors developed by Indian manufacturers.
The weapons suite of these frigates includes supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, 76 mm MR Gun, and a combination of 30 mm and 12.7 mm close-in weapon systems. Both ships are the result of an industrial ecosystem spanning over 200 MSMEs, supporting approximately 4,000 direct jobs and more than 10,000 indirect jobs.
With 75 percent indigenous content, the frigates align with the Indian Government's vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) in defence manufacturing. The commissioning of Udaygiri and Himgiri will augment the Navy’s combat readiness and reaffirm India's resolve to achieve self-reliance in warship design and construction.
Upon commissioning, the two frigates will join the Eastern Fleet, strengthening India's ability to safeguard its maritime interests across the Indian Ocean Region, said the Ministry of Defence.
Follow us
