Rajnath Singh commissions multi-mission stealth frigates at Vizag

This development underscores the growing maritime importance of India's eastern seaboard.

Hyderabad: In a testimony to India’s growing shipbuilding prowess and its march towards self-reliance, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday commissioned into Indian Navy two multi-mission stealth frigates Udaygiri and INS Himgiri under Project 17A at the Naval Base in Visakhapatnam.

It was for the first time that two frontline surface combatants indigenously constructed by two different shipyards - Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai [INS Udaygiri] and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata [INS Himgiri] were commissioned simultaneously.

The simultaneous induction of two major combatants highlights the Indian Navy’s growing operational focus on the Eastern Seaboard. Both frigates will join the Eastern Fleet under the Eastern Naval Command, significantly enhancing India’s ability to respond rapidly to maritime contingencies and to secure sea lanes in the Bay of Bengal and beyond.

Rajnath exuded confidence that these warships will not only strengthen the security system and safeguard maritime interests, but will also assist in Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief missions. He stated that the commissioning bolsters India’s policy of Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security & Growth for All in the Region).

These frigates, which will enhance the capability of the Indian Navy, send a message that India is fully capable of protecting its maritime borders and is ready to respond immediately to any situation,” he added.

INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri follow INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of the successor class to Project 17 (Shivalik class). They incorporate improved stealth features, reduced radar signatures, advanced surveillance radars and electronic warfare suites, supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles and rapid-fire gun systems.

Both ships feature Combined Diesel or Gas propulsion plants and a state-of-the-art Integrated Platform Management System, enabling higher speeds and improved fuel efficiency. These are the 100th and 101st warships designed in-house by the Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy, and built in India, reflecting the Navy’s continuous effort to enhance indigenous content and self-reliance.

High indigenous content — exceeding 75% — has been achieved through the participation of numerous MSMEs and the procurement of major weapons and sensors from Indian Original Equipment Manufacturers. Rajnath Singh described the commissioning as a giant stride towards the realisation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and a proof of the Government’s vision and commitment.

“INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri are the shining examples of the Government’s firm resolve towards self-reliance, symbols of a transformative movement, and testament to the vision that the nation will touch greater heights & obtain the goal of self-reliance with concerted efforts of all stakeholders,” he said, commending the seamless collaboration between MDL and GRSE in constructing and delivering the two potent warships.

The multi-mission frigates are crucial operational enablers that will enhance the Navy’s ability to safeguard national interests across the full spectrum of maritime missions. They are equipped with next-generation weapons, sensors and integrated platform management systems, are ready to perform anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, sea-control and humanitarian operations.

The defence minister asserted that the commissioning of Udaygiri and Himgiri not only strengthens the Navy’s combat potential but reinforces its role as a “First Responder” and “Preferred Security Partner” in the Indian Ocean Region. “From combating piracy, fighting against smuggling and illegal trafficking, curbing maritime terrorism, or providing relief after a natural disaster, these warships will prove to be a game-changer in complex and risky operations,” he said.