India commissions INS Udaygiri & INS Himgiri

India commissions INS Udaygiri & INS Himgiri

Why in News? 

The Indian Navy has recently added two frontline warships, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, to its fleet during a commissioning ceremony at Visakhapatnam. 

• According to the Ministry of Defence, this is the first occasion when two frontline combat vessels built at two different Indian shipyards have been inducted on the same day.

About INS Udaygiri

• Introduction: The Indian Navy has added INS Udaygiri to its fleet as a part of Project 17A. This ship represents a blend of modern technology, indigenous construction, and strategic capability. It was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, and it stands as the second vessel in the series of advanced frigates. 

• • • The INS Udaygiri is designed as a stealth guided-missile frigate, and it is part of a program that continues the development of the Shivalik-class (Project 17) frigates.

• The name Udaygiri is inspired by the Udaygiri mountain range in Andhra Pradesh, and the ship carries forward the legacy of the earlier INS Udaygiri.

• Background: The earlier INS Udaygiri was a Leander-class frigate, inducted in 1976 and decommissioned in August 2007. For 31 years it played an active role in patrolling and protecting maritime frontiers. 

• • • Work on INS Udaygiri started with its keel laying on 12 September 2020, and the vessel was launched into the sea on 17 May 2022. After successful sea trials, it was delivered to the Navy on 1 July 2025, which was a record achievement of 37 months.

• Design: The ship was designed with a displacement of about 6,670 tonnes and a length of 149 meters. With a beam of 17.8 meters and a draft of over 5 meters, the ship offers stability even in challenging seas. 

• Propulsion: INS Udaygiri is powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system. This setup includes two MAN Diesel 12V28/33D STC engines and two General Electric LM2500 gas turbines. Together, these systems give the ship a speed of around 28 knots. 

• The range is equally impressive, covering 5,500 nautical miles at cruising speeds of 16 to 18 knots, and about 1,000 nautical miles at top speed. 

• Combat Systems: The ship is equipped with a comprehensive weapons package designed for multi-role missions. Its arsenal includes BrahMos cruise missiles for land and sea strikes, Barak 8 missiles for air defence, and 76 mm OTO Melara naval guns for surface combat. 

• The ship is armed with AK-630 close-in weapon systems, torpedo launchers, and RBU-6000 rocket systems to counter underwater threats.

• For aerial support, the ship can carry two helicopters such as the HAL Dhruv or the Sea King Mk 42B.

• Advanced radars like the IAI EL/M-2248 MF-STAR AESA radar and sonar systems such as BEL HUMSA-NG enhance its detection and tracking abilities. 

• Technology: Many of its weapons, electronic warfare systems, and sensors are sourced from Indian defence manufacturers. The BEL Ajanta electronic warfare suite and Kavach decoy launchers are examples of this indigenous capability. 

• The ship also features an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) that brings automation in controlling propulsion and power systems.

About INS Himgiri

• Introduction: The Indian Navy added INS Himgiri on 26 August 2025. It is a part of the Nilgiri-class stealth guided-missile vessels developed under Project 17A. It was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, Himgiri reflects India’s progress in advanced warship design and construction. 

• It is the third ship of the class but the first built by GRSE, making it a milestone in indigenous naval shipbuilding. 

• The ship’s name connects it to the Himgiri mountain ranges, symbolizing strength and resilience.

• Background: The earlier INS Himgiri, a Leander-class frigate, entered service in 1974 and served until May 2005, before being decommissioned after three decades. The new Himgiri continues the legacy with the same pennant number, F34.

• • • The keel of the new Himgiri was laid down on 10 November 2018, and it was launched on 14 December 2020. Following rigorous trials, including the Contractor Sea Trials completed in March 2025, the ship was formally handed over to the Navy on 31 July 2025. The construction process involved more than 200 Indian MSMEs, contributing to nearly 75% indigenous content.

• Design: INS Himgiri has been crafted by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB), with construction closely monitored by the Warship Overseeing Team based in Kolkata. It has a displacement of about 6,670 tonnes and measures 149 meters in length with a beam of 17.8 meters. 

• The draft of 5.22 meters and depth of 9.9 meters give the ship excellent stability during long deployments. 

• The hull design enhances stealth features by reducing radar signature. 

• Himgiri has more advanced sensors, improved survivability, and a sleeker structure that enables silent movement at sea.

• Propulsion: Its propulsion relies on a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) system, which integrates diesel engines and gas turbines for flexible performance. It carries two MAN Diesel engines generating 6000 kW each and two General Electric LM2500 gas turbines. Together they power controllable pitch propellers on each shaft. 

• This allows the ship to achieve speeds of 28 knots. At an economical speed of 16 to 18 knots, it can cover 5,500 nautical miles, making it highly suitable for long oceanic missions. 

• The propulsion system is managed through an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), which provides automation and efficient control of engines and auxiliary systems.

• Combat Systems: The ship carries Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles housed in vertical launch systems for air defence. For land and sea strike capability, it has BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. 

• A 76 mm OTO Melara naval gun forms its primary artillery, while AK-630 close-in weapon systems provide last-layer defence. 

• For anti-submarine operations, it is fitted with RBU-6000 rocket launchers, triple torpedo tubes, and the indigenous Maareech torpedo countermeasure system. 

• The ship can also operate two helicopters, either HAL Dhruv or Sea King Mk 42B, extending its surveillance and strike range.

• Sensors: It is fitted with the IAI EL/M-2248 MF-STAR AESA radar for multi-target detection and tracking. For underwater operations, the BEL HUMSA-NG bow sonar gives strong anti-submarine capability. The BEL Ajanta electronic warfare suite enhances survivability by countering enemy radar and missile threats.

Strategic Role of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri

• Strengths Blue Water Capability: INS Udaygiri is built to operate far beyond coastal waters. It can travel across oceans and remain deployed for long periods. This gives the Navy the strength to act as a true Blue Water force capable of global missions.

• Safeguards Sea Lanes: Both Udaygiri and Himgiri are designed to secure vital shipping lanes. They can patrol critical maritime routes in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) where India’s trade and energy supplies pass through. Protecting these lanes ensures economic security.

• Fleet Support Missions: The frigates can provide escort to carrier groups, merchant vessels, or convoys during operations. INS Udaygiri brings strong anti-air and anti-submarine systems, while INS Himgiri adds advanced stealth and indigenous technologies. Together they strengthen fleet defence.

• Multinational Exercises: Both warships will join naval exercises with partner nations. This helps India build trust, share technology, and improve interoperability. Their induction in 2025 reflects India’s rising profile in regional and global maritime cooperation.

• Symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat: INS Himgiri carries nearly 75% indigenous content, showing India’s progress in self-reliant defence production. It shows India’s move towards Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence and boosts self-reliance in advanced shipbuilding.