India has achieved a significant milestone towards self-reliance in naval capabilities and defence production. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday formally commissioned two advanced stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, into the Indian Navy. This is the first time that two major warships, built in two different shipyards, have been commissioned on the same day. This achievement marks a new leap in India’s indigenous warship building.
This dual commissioning not only reflects the strategic importance of India’s eastern seaboard but also is a testimony to the better synergy between the country’s leading shipyards like Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
A New Link In Project
Both these warships have been built under Project 17A, which is an advanced version of Project 17 (Shivalik class). Designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) of the Indian Navy, the ships are equipped with state-of-the-art design, weapon systems and operational capabilities.
India Today quoted Defence Minister saying, “These ships not only embody technological superiority but also strongly represent India’s spirit of self-reliance. With nearly 75% indigenous content and involvement of over 200 MSMEs, they are an excellent example of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.”
Equipped With Modern Technology
INS Udayagiri and INS Himgiri are fitted with Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, a state-of-the-art Integrated Platform Management System, and advanced indigenous weapons and sensors. The weapon systems include supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, 76 mm guns, and 30 mm and 12.7 mm close-in weapon systems. These ships are fully capable of deep sea (blue water) operations.
Fast Construction, Glorious Legacy
INS Udaygiri, built by MDL, is the fastest warship of its class, thanks to modular construction technology. INS Himgiri, built at GRSE Kolkata, also exhibits a high level of indigenous quality.
The names of both these ships are linked to India’s naval history – the old INS Udaygiri (F35) and INS Himgiri (F34) served for more than three decades. The new INS Udaygiri is the 100th warship designed by the Warship Design Bureau, reflecting India’s 50-year indigenous design journey.
Economic And Social Impact
The impact of Project 17A is not limited to the defense sector, but it has also created about 4,000 direct and more than 10,000 indirect jobs across the country. More than 200 MSMEs have been actively involved in this project, which has also strengthened India’s industrial structure.
Strength To Eastern Naval Command
INS Udaygiri and Himgiri will now become part of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet, significantly enhancing India’s maritime power and operational capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region, a region of immense strategic importance in today’s changing global scenario.
Through this historic dual commissioning, India has once again proved its commitment to building a modern, self-reliant and empowered Navy, one that can not only safeguard the country’s maritime interests but also play a pivotal role in regional stability and security.
