Indian Navy commissions INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri

In a landmark moment for India’s maritime strength, the Indian Navy commissioned two cutting-edge Nilgiri-class stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, in a grand ceremony at the Naval Base in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The event, presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marks the commissioning of two frontline warships built at different Indian shipyards on the same day.

Speaking at the ceremony, Singh said, “The commissioning of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri is a visual depiction of our dream of a self-reliant India coming true. It is proof of our vision and commitment.”

Cutting-Edge Design and Indigenous Strength

Part of the Project 17 (Shivalik-class) series, both frigates have been indigenously designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB). Notably, INS Udaygiri is the 100th ship designed by the WDB, a milestone in five decades of Indian naval design.

INS Udaygiri, built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd., Mumbai, and INS Himgiri, constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, Kolkata, showcase the strength and synergy of India’s shipbuilding ecosystem.

Features and Capabilities

Equipped with modern CODOG propulsion systems, advanced sensors, and state-of-the-art weapons, these frigates can undertake the full spectrum of maritime missions, from surveillance to combat, even in challenging Blue Water conditions. With 75% indigenous content, they also highlight the growing role of Indian MSMEs in defence manufacturing under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Honouring a Proud Legacy

Named after their illustrious predecessors, the new Udaygiri and Himgiri symbolise a perfect blend of legacy and modernity, bolstering India’s naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region and reaffirming its commitment to maritime security.