Udaygiri and Himgiri: How These Made In India Frigates Would Modernise Indian Navy

In a defining moment for India’s maritime security, the Indian Navy is set to commission two advanced frontline frigates—Udaygiri (F35) and Himgiri (F34), on August 26 at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This will be the first time that two major surface combatants from two of the country’s most prestigious shipyards are inducted simultaneously.

The commissioning of advanced frigates Udaygiri and Himgiri would also mark a significant step in India’s naval modernisation and shipbuilding capabilities.

The upcoming ceremony at Visakhapatnam will be more than a formal naval tradition, it will be a celebration of India’s journey towards a robust and self-sufficient maritime defence ecosystem. As the two grey hulls join the fleet, they will stand as symbols of a nation whose oceans are guarded by ships built in India, designed by Indians, and manned by Indians.

Where were these Frigates constructed?

Udaygiri, the second vessel in the Project 17A series, has been constructed by leading shipbuilding PSU Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, while Himgiri is the first of its kind warship built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.

Adding to the significance, Udaygiri is also the 100th warship designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, a milestone that reflects the Navy’s growing design expertise and self-reliance.

What makes these frigates a key addition to Indian Navy’s fleet?

Both frigates represent a significant leap in India’s naval architecture and combat capability. Displacing approximately 6,700 tons, they are about 5% larger than the Shivalik-class frigates they will be succeeding, yet feature a sleeker profile with reduced radar cross-section.

These multi-mission frigates are capable of operating in a ‘Blue Water’ environment dealing with both conventional and non-conventional threats in the area of India’s Maritime Interests. Their weapon suite includes supersonic Surface-to-Surface Missiles, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles, a 76 mm Medium Range Gun, Close-in Weapon Systems of 30 mm and 12.7 mm calibre, and a range of anti-submarine and underwater warfare systems.

Powered by Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion systems, they employ diesel engines and gas turbines to drive controllable-pitch propellers, all managed through an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).

Are There More P17 Class?

The remaining five ships of the P17A Class are at various stages of construction at MDL, Mumbai and GRSE, Kolkata and would be delivered progressively by the end of 2026.

Udaygiri, Himgiri: How these Made in India marvels created thousands of jobs?

The construction of Udaygiri and Himgiri has been supported by a vast industrial ecosystem involving over 200 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), generating approximately 4,000 direct jobs and more than 10,000 indirect jobs. This collaborative effort highlights the Navy’s commitment to indigenous shipbuilding and follows the commissioning of several other platforms in 2025 alone, including INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, INS Vaghsheer, INS Arnala, and INS Nistar.

Rigorous sea trials have validated the operational readiness of both frigates, testing their hull integrity, machinery, firefighting systems, damage control protocols, navigation and communication systems. Their induction will significantly enhance the Navy’s combat readiness and maritime reach.