The Indian Navy is preparing for a landmark event on August 26, 2025, when it will formally induct its two newly built stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, into service at the Visakhapatnam Naval Base. The commissioning ceremony will be presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, reflecting the significance of this occasion for India’s naval modernization program. What makes this event especially historic is that it will be the first time two frontline surface combatants, each constructed at different shipyards, are commissioned on the same day. This rare milestone highlights not only India’s growing naval strength but also the increasing strategic importance of the country’s eastern seaboard as a center of maritime operations.
These two frigates form a crucial part of Project 17A, which represents the next generation of the Shivalik-class multi-mission stealth frigates. Designed to operate in Blue Water conditions, both Udaygiri and Himgiri embody major advancements in stealth technology, weapons integration, and sensor systems. Their versatility allows them to undertake the entire spectrum of maritime operations, ranging from anti-submarine warfare to anti-surface and anti-air missions, making them among the most advanced warships in the Indian fleet.
The construction of the two frigates also reflects the capabilities and collaboration of India’s premier shipbuilding institutions. Udaygiri was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, while Himgiri was constructed at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. This distribution of responsibility not only demonstrates India’s growing naval industrial base but also underscores the synergy between two of the country’s most prominent defence shipyards. Udaygiri has the added distinction of being the fastest ship of her class to be delivered post-launch, thanks to the modular construction methodology now widely adopted by Indian shipbuilders.
Both frigates also carry forward a legacy of service, as they are named after their illustrious predecessors—INS Udaygiri (F35) and INS Himgiri (F34). These earlier vessels served the nation with distinction for more than three decades before being decommissioned. By reviving these names, the Navy honors its proud history while showcasing its continued commitment to strengthening maritime security.
The design of the new frigates was carried out by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB), which has played a pivotal role in advancing indigenous warship technology over the past five decades. Udaygiri holds special significance as it is the 100th ship designed by the WDB, a symbolic milestone that reflects India’s sustained progress in self-reliant warship design.
From a technological perspective, the frigates are equipped with state-of-the-art systems that make them formidable assets. They are powered by modern Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion plants, managed through an Integrated Platform Management System that ensures efficiency and reliability. Their weapons and sensor suites incorporate cutting-edge technology developed largely by Indian manufacturers, with approximately 75 percent of the ships’ components sourced domestically. This includes the contributions of hundreds of Indian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), further strengthening the defence manufacturing ecosystem under the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
With their commissioning, Udaygiri and Himgiri will significantly enhance the combat capability of the Indian Navy. The ships will join the Eastern Fleet, giving India greater strength and flexibility to protect its strategic interests across the Indian Ocean Region. Their induction marks not only an expansion of naval power but also a reaffirmation of India’s resolve to achieve self-reliance in the fields of warship design and construction. In every respect, the commissioning of these frigates represents a vital step in India’s journey toward a stronger, more independent, and technologically advanced naval force.
