Visakhapatnam: On Tuesday, the Indian Navy welcomed two new stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, at a ceremony in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was present, marking an important milestone for India’s maritime capabilities.
This commissioning is noteworthy as it is the first time two advanced surface combatants, built at different shipyards, are commissioned together. This event highlights the increasing significance of India’s eastern coastline in the maritime landscape.
Singh made a striking comparison, saying that while a certain country has a flying F-35 fighter jet, India has created a “floating F-35.” He praised the indigenous development of the frigate, which serves as a testament to India’s growing defense manufacturing strength.
INS Udaygiri and Himgiri are part of the Project 17 (Shivalik) class. Both ships are designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB), with Udaygiri being the 100th vessel designed by the bureau. This achievement is significant, reflecting nearly five decades of indigenous ship design.
The Ministry of Defence states that both frigates feature advanced designs and improved stealth capabilities. They’re equipped to handle various maritime missions, showcasing the progress of India’s naval technology.
Udaygiri, built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai, and Himgiri from Garden Reach Shipbuilders in Kolkata, symbolize the success of Indian shipbuilding. Notably, Udaygiri was delivered faster than its peers, thanks to modern construction techniques.
Once commissioned, these frigates will join the Eastern Fleet, enhancing India’s maritime defense in the Indian Ocean Region. They carry the names of previous ships, honoring a legacy that served for over 30 years.
The new ships also feature cutting-edge technology, including Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion and an Integrated Platform Management System. With approximately 75% of their components sourced domestically, they support India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative in defense manufacturing.
In recent years, the Indian government has pushed for self-reliance in defense, spotlighting initiatives that bolster indigenous manufacturing. According to a report by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Indian defense sector’s contributions have been steadily increasing, reflecting a 20% growth in indigenous ship design in the past five years.
Social media reactions have been positive, with many users celebrating this achievement. They highlighted the importance of indigenous capabilities and praised the Navy’s advancements. This trend underscores a growing national pride in homegrown technologies and initiatives.
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US F 35, INDIAN NAVY, INDIAN NAVY MARITIME BOOST, INS UDAYGIRI INS HIMGIRI LAUNCH, 'FLOATING F-35 WARSHIP': RAJNATH SINGH VEILED DIG AT US AS INDIA UNVEILS DUAL STEALTH FRIGATES
