In a major boost to India’s naval strength, the Indian Navy will commission two state-of-the-art Nilgiri-class stealth guided-missile frigates—INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri—on August 26 in Visakhapatnam, the Ministry of Defence announced.
The twin warships, built under Project 17A (P-17A), mark the first time two major surface combatants from different Indian shipyards will be commissioned simultaneously. INS Udaygiri has been built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai, while INS Himgiri is the first P-17A ship from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
Weighing 6,700 tonnes each, the frigates are larger and more advanced than the Shivalik-class, with a reduced radar signature for stealth operations. They are powered by Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion systems, managed by an advanced Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).
Their arsenal includes supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, a 76 mm naval gun, close-in weapon systems, and advanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Together, they will form a powerful three-frigate squadron alongside INS Nilgiri, commissioned earlier this year.
Beyond their military edge, the frigates showcase India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing, with over 200 MSMEs involved, creating 4,000 direct and 10,000 indirect jobs. INS Udaygiri is also notable as the 100th vessel designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau.
Strategically, the ships will strengthen India’s presence across the Indo-Pacific, countering China’s expanding influence under its “string of pearls” strategy. Navy officials said the frigates will protect key sea trade routes and enhance India’s maritime security footprint from the Strait of Malacca to the African coast.
Calling the commissioning ceremony “a celebration of India’s self-reliant defence ecosystem,” the Defence Ministry said the two ships stand as symbols of Make in India, showcasing the nation’s growing maritime power.
