On August 26, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri were commissioned into the Indian Navy. The event took place in Vizag in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. These are next-generation ships with multi-mission stealth capabilities. The frigates are equipped with advanced systems that will enhance the Navy’s capabilities and safeguard national interests across maritime missions. This project aligns with India’s long-term goal of establishing itself as a formidable Blue Water Navy power in the world.
The Nilgiri-class Frigate Program
These ships are part of Project 17A, also known as the Nilgiri-class frigate program. This program is an Indian Navy initiative to build seven advanced stealth guided-missile frigates with high indigenous content.
Further Reading: Blue Water Navies: The World’s Ocean-Going Powers, and Where India Stands
Project 17A formally began with the Defence Acquisition Council’s approval in June 2009 for the procurement of seven advanced stealth frigates for the Indian Navy. The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the “development cum construction” plan in September 2012. However, the final construction contracts were signed with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in February 2015. This marked the official start of building the vessels, with the keel for the first ship, INS Nilgiri, being laid in December 2017.
Advanced Design and Capabilities
These frigates are successors to the earlier Project 17 Shivalik-class and are designed with cutting-edge stealth features to minimise radar, infrared, acoustic, and magnetic signatures, enhancing their survivability and combat effectiveness in blue-water naval operations. As mentioned above, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri are two of the latest commissioned frigates under Project 17A. Each displaces around 6,670 tonnes and is powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system that mixes diesel engines for cruising and gas turbines for speed and endurance above 28 knots.
Armament and Sensors
The ships are equipped with eight BrahMos cruise missiles, Barak 8 surface-to-air missiles, a 76 mm gun, Close-In Weapon Systems, torpedo tubes, and anti-submarine weapons. They also have modern sensors like radar and sonar for better tracking and protection. Alongside hangar facilities for helicopters such as MH-60 Romeo and ALH Dhruv Mk-III, enhancing reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
Indigenous Content and Its Impact
Project 17A is a far-sighted program and stands as a crucial achievement in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing. The program has around 75% indigenous content sourced from over 200 MSMEs. It has generated roughly 4,000 direct and 10,000 indirect jobs, contributing notably to the Make in India initiative. These frigates not only enhance the Indian Navy’s multi-dimensional warfare capabilities in the Indian Ocean region, reinforcing maritime security, strategic deterrence, and power projection, but also increase our blue navy capabilities.
Importance of Project 17A
In essence, Project 17A means a leap in naval warfare technology for India. India is working hard to build a strong navy using smart tactics and advanced weapons. The addition of ships called INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri is an important step in making India self-sufficient and strengthening its naval power. These ships highlight that India is capable of producing world-class warships, not only capable of safeguarding its vast maritime interests but also with firepower and endurance in hostile environments.
