Commissioning of India’s Multimission Frigates
Overview
The Indian Navy officially commissioned two advanced multimission frigates, designated INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, on 26 August 2025. This event took place at the naval base in Visakhapatnam, marking a significant advancement in India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.
Frigate Specifications and Development
Both frigates belong to the Nilgiri (Project 17A) class, showcasing India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing. They were constructed by different shipyards, reflecting the robust capabilities of the Indian defense sector:
-
INS Udaygiri
- Builder: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)
- Delivery Date: 1 July 2025
- Keel Laid: May 2019
- Launch Date: 17 May 2022
-
INS Himgiri
- Builder: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE)
- Delivery Date: 31 July 2025
- Keel Laid: November 2018
- Launch Date: December 2020
Classification Notes
While Himgiri follows Udaygiri in pennant number sequence, the Indian Ministry of Defence refers to Himgiri as the third ship in class, positioning Udaygiri as the second.
The first vessel of this class, INS Nilgiri, was commissioned earlier in January 2025.
Technical Features
The Nilgiri-class frigates have been designed with cutting-edge technology and are equipped for various mission profiles. Key specifications include:
- Length: 149 meters
- Beam: 17.8 meters
- Draft: 5 meters
- Full Load Displacement: Approximately 6,700 tonnes
These vessels are representative of India’s commitment to enhancing maritime security and operational readiness within a regional and global context.
Significance for Indian Naval Strategy
The induction of Udaygiri and Himgiri into active service not only strengthens the Indian Navy’s capabilities but also supports the broader strategy of enhancing indigenous warfighting systems. The successful completion of this class signals a milestone in India’s naval ambitions, ultimately aimed at projecting power and ensuring maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.
