Indian Navy Commissions INS Udaygiri & INS Himgiri in Historic Twin Induction at Vizag

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presided over the event, hailing the induction as a major milestone in India's journey toward self-reliance in defence. “No warship will be built abroad in the future,” he declared, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative.

"The commissioning of 'Udaygiri' and 'Himgiri' will augment the Navy's combat readiness and reaffirm India's resolve to achieve self-reliance in warship design and construction. Upon commissioning, the two frigates will join the Eastern Fleet, strengthening India's ability to safeguard its maritime interests across the Indian Ocean Region," the defence ministry said.

Both warships are part of Project 17A, India's next-generation stealth frigate program being executed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) in Mumbai and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. The commissioning of these two ships marks a significant leap in India's maritime capabilities.

INS Udaygiri

1. Built by MDL, Mumbai
2. Named after a mountain range in Andhra Pradesh
3. Third ship of its class
4. Equipped with advanced stealth features, sensors, and weapon systems

INS Himgiri

1. Built by GRSE, Kolkata
2. Named after a historic Leander-class frigate from the 1970s
3. Also features state-of-the-art weaponry and stealth technologies
4. Designed for multi-mission roles including anti-air, anti-submarine, and anti-surface warfare

Project 17A will ultimately deliver seven advanced stealth frigates to the Indian Navy, four of which are already launched and progressing toward completion. These ships are not only a testament to India's growing expertise in indigenous warship construction but also a cornerstone of its strategy to become a leading maritime power in the Indo-Pacific.

As INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri officially join the Indian Navy’s fleet, they symbolize more than just technological advancement, they stand as a powerful assertion of India’s self-reliance, strategic foresight, and commitment to securing its maritime interests.

With every indigenously built warship, the Navy moves closer to its vision of a modern, agile, and self-sufficient force, one that is ready to navigate the challenges of the future and safeguard the nation’s blue frontiers.