The Indian Navy is gearing up to welcome two new stealth frigates—INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri—at the Naval Base in Visakhapatnam. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will officiate the ceremony, marking an important step for India’s naval strength.
Building Maritime Capability
India faces rising naval cooperation between China and Pakistan, which threatens its maritime security. In response, the country is enhancing its naval fleet with advanced, locally-made warships. The addition of Udaygiri and Himgiri, part of Project 17A, aims to boost India’s ability to protect critical sea routes while discouraging potential threats.
By the end of 2025, India will have commissioned seven warships, strengthening its naval presence significantly.
The Significance of Project 17A
Project 17A reflects India’s commitment to developing indigenous naval assets. Seven Nilgiri-class guided missile frigates are under construction by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai and Garden Reach Shipbuilders in Kolkata. Some key details include:
- A contract for four ships to MDL and three to GRSE was signed in 2015.
- All seven ships have been launched between 2019 and 2023.
- Current sea trials are progressing for four of the vessels.
By 2025, at least three of these ships, including Udaygiri and Himgiri, will boost India’s strategic capabilities in the Indian Ocean.
Advanced Technology and Features
Udaygiri and Himgiri come equipped with various modern features:
- Armament: They carry BrahMos missiles for anti-surface operations, Barak-8 missiles for air threats, and Varunastra torpedoes for undersea challenges.
- Sensors: Advanced sonar systems and combat management systems enhance their operational effectiveness.
- Aviation: They can operate two helicopters from an onboard hangar.
These ships also feature a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, allowing speeds of up to 30 knots.
Honoring Naval Heritage
Both frigates honor their predecessors which served for over 30 years, showcasing the Navy’s tradition while moving toward modern capabilities. Udaygiri is particularly notable as the 100th warship designed by India’s Warship Design Bureau, highlighting decades of homegrown design expertise.
Commitment to Self-Reliance
An impressive 75% of the components in the Project 17A frigates come from Indian companies, including numerous small and medium enterprises. This reflects India’s drive for self-reliance in defense manufacturing, echoing the goals of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Udaygiri holds the record for the fastest delivery in its class, thanks to innovative construction practices.
Strengthening Regional Strategy
Upon commissioning, Udaygiri and Himgiri will join the Eastern Naval Command, reinforcing India’s maritime strategy along its eastern coastline. This move is essential for bolstering security in a region marked by various challenges.
Investing in these advanced warships not only boosts India’s naval power but also showcases its commitment to strengthening maritime security in a rapidly evolving regional landscape. With the world observing these developments, the commissioning of Udaygiri and Himgiri is a significant milestone for India’s defense capabilities.
For more details on India’s naval advancements, you can explore reports from the Indian Navy and recent discussions on maritime strategy.
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