INS Udaygiri, Himgiri showcase India’s growing shipbuilding prowess
Indian Navy Unveils New Stealth Frigates
New Delhi: The Indian Navy has officially commissioned two advanced Project 17A multi-mission stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and Himgiri, on August 26 at the Naval Base in Visakhapatnam. This significant event, presided over by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marks the first time that two frontline surface combatants built at different shipyards have been commissioned simultaneously. Following their commissioning, both frigates will enhance the capabilities of the Eastern Fleet.
INS Udaygiri and Himgiri: A New Era in Naval Warfare
INS Udaygiri and Himgiri belong to the Project 17 (Shivalik) class of frigates, showcasing remarkable advancements in stealth technology, weaponry, design, and sensor systems. These vessels are capable of executing a wide range of maritime missions in Blue Water conditions, reflecting India’s growing prowess in shipbuilding.
INS Udaygiri was constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. in Mumbai, while INS Himgiri was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers in Kolkata. Notably, Udaygiri is the fastest ship of its class to be delivered post-launch, a testament to the modular construction techniques adopted by Indian shipyards. Both ships are named after their decommissioned predecessors, which served the Indian Navy for over three decades. The design of these frigates was developed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB), with Udaygiri being the 100th ship designed by the bureau.
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Advanced Features and Indigenous Development
Both INS Udaygiri and Himgiri are equipped with modern Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion systems and an Integrated Platform Management System. They also feature a comprehensive suite of advanced weapons and sensors, primarily developed by Indian manufacturers. Impressively, around 75% of the components used in these ships are indigenous, aligning with the government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in defense manufacturing.
The commissioning of these frigates not only enhances the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy but also underscores the nation’s commitment to advancing its defense manufacturing sector. As India continues to strengthen its naval forces, the introduction of INS Udaygiri and Himgiri marks a significant milestone in the country’s maritime defense strategy.
