Visakhapatnam, August 26, 2025 — In a landmark event for India’s maritime defense, the Indian Navy commissioned two state-of-the-art stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, on Tuesday in Visakhapatnam. The dual induction marked the first time in naval history that two frontline warships were commissioned simultaneously, underscoring the nation’s growing prowess in indigenous warship design and construction.
The commissioning ceremony, presided over by the Defence Minister of India, highlighted the country’s progress toward self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Both ships will be part of the Eastern Fleet, enhancing India’s operational strength and strategic presence in the Indian Ocean region.
A milestone in shipbuilding
INS Udaygiri is the second vessel of the Project 17A (P-17A) class of guided-missile stealth frigates, designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai. With nearly 75 percent indigenous content, the ship stands as a symbol of India’s advancing shipbuilding capabilities. The occasion also marked the commissioning of the 100th warship designed by the WDB, a remarkable achievement in naval engineering.
Cutting-edge features
INS Udaygiri is equipped with advanced stealth features, including an angled hull, flush-mounted weapons, and systems designed to minimize heat and noise signatures, making it harder to detect by enemy radars. Its arsenal includes:
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BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for surface strike missions
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Barak-8 long-range surface-to-air missiles for aerial and missile defense
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A 76mm main gun and advanced anti-submarine warfare systems
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A suite of modern radar, sonar, and electronic warfare systems
The warship operates on a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, providing efficiency during long-range patrols and high speeds when required for combat maneuvers.
Honoring a legacy
The name INS Udaygiri revives the legacy of its predecessor, a Leander-class frigate that served the Navy for over three decades. By carrying forward the name, the Navy pays tribute to its historical roots while embracing the future with cutting-edge technology.
With INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri joining active service, the Indian Navy takes a decisive step toward modernizing its fleet and strengthening its maritime dominance in the region.
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