Indian Navy commissions Project 17A frigate duo

August 28, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Two multi-mission stealth frigates of Project 17A, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, were commissioned into the Indian Navy on August 26, 2025.

As informed, this was the first time that two frontline surface combatants indigenously constructed by two different shipyards were commissioned simultaneously. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) built INS Udaygiri, while INS Himgiri was constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE).

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 an integrated platform management system to enable 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.

“INS Udaygiri & 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,” Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh said.

INS Udaygiri’s keel was laid on May 07, 2019 and the ship was launched on May 17, 2022. INS Himgiri’s keel laid on November 10, 2018 and the ship was launched on December 14, 2020.

Both ships underwent a comprehensive schedule of trials in harbour and at sea prior to delivery to the Indian Navy on July 01, 2025, and July 31, 2025, respectively.

The modern Udaygiri pays tribute to the erstwhile INS Udaygiri, which was in commission from 1976 to 2007, while Himgiri honours the erstwhile Himgiri that served from 1974 to 2005.

Both frigates will join the Eastern Fleet under the Eastern Naval Command to enhance India’s ability to respond rapidly to maritime contingencies.