The Indian Navy recently received a major enhancement in its maritime capabilities with the delivery of ‘Himgiri’, a state-of-the-art warship built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd. This ship is the first among three Advanced Guided-Missile Frigates being developed under the Indian Navy’s ambitious Project 17A. Measuring 149 metres in length and weighing 6,670 tonnes, the Himgiri is a major milestone for GRSE, which has now completed 801 vessels, including 112 warships. It stands out as one of the largest and most advanced ships that GRSE has produced in its 65 years as a key Defence Public Sector Undertaking, showcasing India's growing defence manufacturing capabilities.
The total cost of Project 17A is a massive ₹21,833.36 crore, and it is expected to greatly benefit Indian industries, especially Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), start-ups, and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). This warship is equipped with powerful BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles that can target enemy ships and land positions, as well as Barak 8 surface-to-air missiles that are used for defence against aerial threats. Its advanced combat systems and multi-layered defence capabilities make it an integral part of India's maritime strategy, giving the Navy the ability to handle air, surface, and underwater threats with equal effectiveness.
Himgiri uses a sophisticated propulsion system that combines diesel engines and gas turbines for better speed and efficiency. It is also outfitted with modern technologies like the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which provides the ship with high-resolution targeting and surveillance capabilities. The warship supports full-spectrum warfare and is capable of performing complex operations across different environments. It also focuses on improving the living conditions of its 225-member crew and is designed to support aviation operations, such as launching and recovering helicopters, thereby increasing its operational range and flexibility.
In addition to the delivery of Himgiri, GRSE is currently working on a total of 15 warships in four different categories. Some of these ships, including Androth and Ikshak, have already completed their sea trials and are getting ready for delivery. The other ships are progressing at various stages of construction. Himgiri is not only a powerful naval asset but also a symbol of the Indian government's ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’, which promotes self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Through such developments, India is strengthening both its security and its domestic defence production sector.
