INS Himgiri and INS Udaygiri join Indian Navy with BrahMos and Barak-8 missiles (photo-navalnews.com)
A Historic Moment for Indian Navy
INS Himgiri and INS Udaygiri Join the Fleet – In a proud moment for India’s defence forces, two powerful and indigenously built stealth frigates, INS Himgiri and INS Udaygiri, were commissioned into the Indian Navy on August 26, 2025, at Visakhapatnam Naval Base. This marks the first time two major warships from different shipyards were inducted together, showcasing India’s growing strength in naval manufacturing.
These warships are part of Project 17A, a program aimed at building advanced stealth frigates with cutting-edge technology. INS Udaygiri was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, while INS Himgiri was constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. Both ships are successors to the Shivalik-class frigates and represent a major leap in design, capability, and indigenous production.
With over 75% indigenous content, these frigates are a symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and have involved more than 200 MSMEs, creating thousands of jobs and boosting the local defence industry.
Stealth, Speed, and Firepower
INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri are designed to be stealthy, meaning they are harder to detect by enemy radar, infrared, and sonar systems. Their sleek hulls, radar-absorbent materials, and low heat emissions make them ideal for surprise operations and safe navigation in hostile waters.
Each frigate displaces around 6,700 tonnes, measures 149 meters in length, and is powered by a Combined Diesel and Gas (CODAG) propulsion system. This allows them to reach speeds of over 28 knots and travel up to 5,500 nautical miles without refueling—perfect for long-range missions in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
But what truly makes these warships deadly is their weapon systems:
- BrahMos Supersonic Missiles: Capable of striking enemy ships and land targets at high speed and precision.
- Barak-8 Long Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (LRSAM): Designed to shoot down enemy aircraft and missiles from a distance.
- Torpedoes and Anti-Submarine Rockets: For underwater warfare and defence against enemy submarines.
- 76 mm Main Gun and Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS): For short-range combat and protection against incoming threats.
These multi-role frigates are also equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems, sonars, and radars like MF-STAR and HUMSA-NG, making them capable of handling air, surface, and underwater threats with ease.
Helicopter Support and Blue-Water Capability
Both INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri come with flight decks and hangars that can support naval helicopters such as:
- MH-60 Romeo
- ALH Dhruv Mk-III
- Sea King
These helicopters enhance the ships’ ability to perform reconnaissance, search-and-rescue, and anti-submarine warfare missions. With this capability, the frigates can operate in blue-water environments, far from the coast and deep into the ocean, making them vital assets for protecting India’s maritime interests.
The ships also feature Integrated Platform Management Systems (IPMS) for better control and monitoring of onboard machinery, damage control, and navigation. This ensures high efficiency and safety during operations.
Strengthening India’s Maritime Defence
The commissioning of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri is a major boost to India’s naval strength. These frigates will play a key role in:
- Securing sea lanes and trade routes
- Countering threats from enemy ships and submarines
- Supporting humanitarian missions and disaster relief
- Enhancing India’s presence in the Indo-Pacific region
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who led the commissioning ceremony, called the event a “historic milestone” and praised the Navy’s commitment to self-reliance and innovation. The ships are not just tools of defence—they are symbols of India’s growing capability to design, build, and deploy world-class warships.
With these additions, the Indian Navy is better equipped to handle both conventional and non-conventional threats, ensuring peace and stability in the region.
Final Thoughts INS Himgiri and INS Udaygiri are more than just warships, they are a reflection of India’s technological progress, strategic vision, and defence readiness. Built at home, armed with powerful weapons, and designed for stealth and speed, these frigates will serve as guardians of the seas for years to come.
K-6 Hypersonic Breakthrough: India’s Underwater Superweapon Redefines Naval Dominance
Stay informed with the latest news and updates – only on Rapido Updates.