Indian Navy to Commission Two New Stealth Frigates
The Indian Navy is set to significantly enhance its maritime capabilities with the simultaneous commissioning of two advanced, indigenously built stealth frigates. The new warships, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, are part of the Project 17A series and represent a major boost for India's naval modernization and its self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Powerhouses of the Sea
Both frigates are state-of-the-art warships designed for multi-role operations. Built with advanced stealth features to reduce their visibility to enemy sensors, they are formidable platforms for anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare.
- INS Udaygiri, built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai, is equipped with a powerful arsenal including BrahMos supersonic missiles and Barak 8 surface-to-air missiles. It boasts around 75% indigenous content, a significant contribution to the 'Make in India' initiative.
- INS Himgiri, constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers in Kolkata, shares similar capabilities. It can operate at speeds of over 28 knots and is equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems. It also features a flight deck and hangar capable of operating multiple types of helicopters, enhancing its reconnaissance and anti-submarine capabilities.
Strategic Boost for the Indo-Pacific
The induction of these two warships is a clear signal of India's growing capacity to build sophisticated naval platforms. These vessels will play a critical role in protecting India's maritime interests and countering both conventional and non-conventional threats in the strategically vital Indo-Pacific region. The commissioning ceremony on August 26 will mark a proud moment for the nation's defence sector.
