Indian Navy Commissions 2 Nilgiri-Class Frigates In Big Boost To Naval Power

India’s journey toward becoming a stronger maritime nation has taken a historic leap forward. The Indian Navy has proudly commissioned two state-of-the-art Nilgiri-class frigates—INS Himgiri and INS Udaygiri—in a landmark ceremony attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. This moment is not just about adding two powerful warships to the naval fleet; it is about celebrating India’s growing strength in self-reliance, technology, and regional maritime dominance.

For decades, India has worked toward developing an indigenous shipbuilding industry that could stand shoulder to shoulder with global leaders. With the commissioning of these two stealth frigates under Project 17 Alpha (P-17A), that vision is closer than ever to reality.

A New Era in Indigenous Warship Building

The Nilgiri-class represents the future of India’s naval might. The lead ship, INS Nilgiri, had already set the tone earlier this year. Now, with INS Himgiri and INS Udaygiri entering service, the Indian Navy proudly operates a squadron of three advanced frigates that symbolize India’s determination to protect its seas with homegrown strength.

These frigates are largely indigenous, with more than 75 percent of their components sourced and built within the country. This achievement demonstrates India’s industrial and technological progress and directly strengthens the government’s ‘aatmanirbhar’ (self-reliant) initiative in defence production. The dual commissioning also holds symbolic importance, as it is the first time two major warships from two different premier shipyards—Garden Reach Shipbuilders in Kolkata and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai—have been inducted simultaneously. This synergy highlights India’s maturing defence ecosystem.

Advanced Design and Cutting-Edge Technology

The newly commissioned Nilgiri-class frigates carry significant improvements in design, stealth technology, and advanced weaponry. Displacing around 6,700 tons each, these warships are about five percent larger than their predecessors in the Shivalik-class. But their sleeker form, reduced radar signature, and modular construction make them a generational leap in naval engineering.

INS Udaygiri stands out as the fastest ship in its class to be delivered after launch, thanks to innovative modular building methods. It also marks a milestone for India’s Warship Design Bureau, being the 100th vessel designed by this premier institution. Both frigates have been named after earlier warships that served India for over three decades, carrying forward a proud legacy into a new era.

The ships are equipped with a formidable array of weaponry, including Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles, BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, anti-submarine systems, and close-in weapon systems. They are also capable of operating two helicopters each, making them versatile platforms for a wide range of missions. The inclusion of advanced electronic warfare suites, integrated management systems, and torpedo decoy technologies further boosts their combat readiness.

Strengthening India’s Maritime Security

The commissioning of INS Himgiri and INS Udaygiri comes at a critical moment when India faces growing maritime challenges in the Indo-Pacific. China’s increasing naval presence and its so-called “string of pearls” strategy—with strategic footholds in Gwadar, Hambantota, Chittagong, and Djibouti—pose concerns for India’s maritime security. In this context, the Nilgiri-class frigates represent more than just warships; they are symbols of deterrence and confidence in India’s ability to safeguard its interests across the Indian Ocean Region.

Joining the Eastern Fleet after commissioning, the frigates will enhance India’s reach, surveillance, and operational power. Whether it is securing sea lanes of communication, responding to emergencies, or countering regional threats, these frigates provide the Navy with unmatched flexibility and strength.

A Generational Leap in Naval Power

What makes this commissioning even more remarkable is the balance between indigenous innovation and global standards. From stealth features that make them harder to detect, to their high speed of 28 knots (about 52 km per hour), to their ability to launch devastating missile strikes, these frigates are the very definition of modern naval power.

INS Udaygiri, built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, and INS Himgiri, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders, stand as proud examples of India’s technological maturity. Their deployment ensures that India is not just keeping pace with global powers but carving its own path as a regional security leader.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports and official statements. It has been written for informational purposes only and does not represent any official communication from the Indian Navy or the Government of India.