In a landmark event for India’s naval prowess, the Indian Navy will commission two advanced stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri (F35) and INS Himagiri (F34), on August 26, 2025, at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. This unprecedented dual commissioning, the first of its kind involving major surface combatants from two distinct Indian shipyards, marks a significant milestone in the nation’s journey toward self-reliant maritime defense.
The ceremony, hosted by the Eastern Naval Command, will see INS Udaygiri, constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, and INS Himagiri, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, officially join the Navy’s fleet. “This historic simultaneous commissioning underscores India’s growing shipbuilding capacity and commitment to the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives,” said a Navy spokesperson.
Both frigates belong to the Project 17A (Nilgiri-class) series, a follow-on to the Shivalik-class, and represent a generational leap in design and capability. Displacing approximately 6,700 tons—5% larger than their predecessors—these warships feature sleeker profiles with reduced radar cross-sections, enhancing their stealth capabilities. They are powered by Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion systems, integrating diesel engines and gas turbines to drive controllable-pitch propellers, managed through an advanced Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).
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The frigates’ formidable weapons suite includes eight VLS-launched BrahMos supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles, capable of Mach 3 speeds, and 32 Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles for robust air defense. Additional armaments comprise a 76 mm main gun, 30 mm and 12.7 mm close-in weapon systems, and advanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities, including torpedo launch systems. Equipped with Israel Aerospace Industries’ MF-STAR radar, these ships offer superior surveillance and tracking, making them versatile for multi-domain maritime operations.
Udaygiri holds special significance as the 100th ship designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, a proud achievement highlighting India’s indigenous engineering expertise. The Project 17A program, approved in 2012, involves seven frigates—four from MDL and three from GRSE—demonstrating the nation’s ability to deliver sophisticated warships across multiple shipyards. The construction of these vessels has engaged over 200 MSMEs, generating approximately 4,000 direct and 10,000 indirect jobs, reinforcing India’s maritime industrial ecosystem.
Both frigates have undergone rigorous sea trials, validating their hull, machinery, firefighting, damage control, navigation, and communication systems, ensuring operational readiness. Udaygiri was delivered to the Navy on July 1, while Himagiri followed on July 31, with the latter completed in just 37 months from launch to delivery.
The commissioning follows a series of 2025 inductions, including the destroyer INS Surat, frigate INS Nilgiri, submarine INS Vaghsheer, anti-submarine craft INS Arnala, and diving support vessel INS Nistar, all showcasing India’s commitment to indigenous defense manufacturing. The August 26 ceremony will not only induct these advanced warships but also celebrate India’s strides toward a self-sufficient maritime defense framework.
As India’s naval presence grows in the Indo-Pacific, Udaygiri and Himagiri will enhance the Eastern Naval Command’s operational strength, guarding the nation’s maritime interests with cutting-edge technology and unwavering resolve. “These grey hulls, designed and built by Indians, send a clear message: India’s oceans are protected by its own,” the Navy stated.
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