The Indian Navy is ready to take a big step forward with the commissioning of two new stealth warships—INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri. Both ships are part of Project 17A and will officially join service on August 26 at the Visakhapatnam Naval Dockyard in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
This special event is not just about adding two new ships, but it also demonstrates India’s ability to build advanced warships independently, providing a significant boost to the Make in India program.
Rare Twin Commissioning
It is rare in naval history to commission two large warships on the same day. This demonstrates the significant improvement in India’s defence production and the rapid delivery capability of Indian shipyards for complex vessels.
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The two frigates will bring new levels of firepower, stealth technology, and surveillance systems. They are entering service at a time when the Indian Ocean is becoming more competitive, with many countries increasing their naval presence.
INS Udaygiri: Mumbai’s Pride
INS Udaygiri is the second ship of Project 17A and also the 100th vessel built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. It has been designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau. The ship is named after the Udayagiri mountain range in Andhra Pradesh. An earlier ship with the same name served the Navy from 1976 to 2007.
Construction on Udaygiri began in December 2017. Launched in May 2022, it was delivered to the Navy in July 2025. The ship’s impressive 37-month completion time demonstrates how quickly India can now build such complex platforms.
Main Highlights of INS Udaygiri
Weight: 6,700 tonnes
Propulsion: Diesel engines and gas turbines (CODOG system)
Stealth: Built to avoid detection by radar, heat sensors, and sonar
Weapons: BrahMos missiles, Barak 8 air-defence system, 76 mm main gun, Close-In Weapon Systems, and anti-submarine weapons
Local Content: 75% Indian-made, with support from 200 MSMEs and jobs for nearly 14,000 people
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INS Himgiri: Kolkata’s First Project 17A Ship
INS Himgiri has been built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. It is the first Project 17A frigate from the yard. The ship continues the legacy of the original INS Himgiri, which served from 1974 to 2005. The new ship was launched in December 2020 and delivered in July 2025 with 75% indigenous content.
Main Highlights of INS Himgiri
Weight: 6,670 tonnes
Length: 149 metres
Propulsion: Diesel engines and gas turbines (CODOG system), with speeds above 28 knots
Stealth: Designed to stay hidden from radar and heat sensors
Weapons: BrahMos and Barak 8 missiles, torpedo tubes, anti-submarine rocket launchers, and advanced electronic warfare systems
Aviation: Flight deck and hangar for MH-60 Romeo, ALH Dhruv Mk-III, and Sea King helicopters
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What These Ships Mean for India?
A new era in India’s naval might has begun with the arrival of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, both of which were created in India using primarily domestic systems. They equip the fleet with cutting-edge weapons and top-notch stealth features.
These ships will enable the Navy to expand its reach in the Indo-Pacific, secure sea lanes, and strengthen India’s standing as a regional naval force. This twin commissioning shows the defence sector that India can quickly and efficiently produce sophisticated warships.
