INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri Join Indian Navy in Historic Induction

Post by : Armust Desk

The Indian Navy achieved a historic milestone by commissioning two advanced stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, simultaneously at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam. This marked the first time in India’s naval history that two frontline warships, built at different shipyards, were inducted into the Navy on the same day. The event reflects India’s growing strength and self-reliance in defense technology and naval capabilities.

Dual Commissioning Ceremony

The commissioning ceremony was presided over by the Defence Minister, who praised the event as a remarkable achievement in India’s journey toward self-reliant defense manufacturing. He said that the induction of these warships shows India’s ability to design and construct advanced naval platforms domestically, reducing dependence on foreign defense suppliers.

INS Udaygiri was constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai, and it holds the special distinction of being the 100th ship designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau. Meanwhile, INS Himgiri was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers in Kolkata, marking an important achievement for the shipyard. Both ships are symbols of India’s growing maritime strength and technical excellence.

Features of the New Frigates

Both INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri belong to the Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) stealth guided-missile frigates. These are among the most modern warships in the Indian Navy and are equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

• Stealth Capabilities: The ships are designed to reduce radar, acoustic, and infrared signatures, making them harder to detect.

• Advanced Weaponry: Both frigates carry BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, surface-to-air missiles, torpedoes, and close-in weapon systems, making them ready for multiple combat situations.

• Enhanced Sensors: They are equipped with advanced radar and sonar systems to detect and target threats effectively.

• Multi-Mission Capability: These warships can handle anti-surface, anti-submarine, and electronic warfare missions, providing a versatile edge in maritime defense.

Each frigate weighs about 6,700 tons and is powered by a combined gas and gas (COGAG) propulsion system. This allows the ships to travel at high speeds while maintaining endurance for long-duration missions at sea.

Indigenous Construction and Employment

The construction of these frigates involved coordination between Indian shipyards and over 200 small and medium enterprises. Approximately 15,000 jobs were created during the construction of these ships. This not only strengthened India’s defense capabilities but also supported employment and industrial growth across the country. The project aligns with India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, which aims to increase domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.

Strategic Importance

The induction of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri enhances India’s maritime strength and strengthens its position in the Indian Ocean Region. These ships will play a key role in protecting India’s maritime interests, ensuring safe sea lanes, and contributing to regional stability.

The simultaneous commissioning also shows the Navy’s commitment to modernization and readiness to face emerging security challenges. With advanced technology, indigenous design, and modern weaponry, these two frigates represent a significant step forward in India’s naval defense capabilities.

INS Udaygiri, INS Himgiri, Indian Navy, Stealth Frigates