The Indian Navy has officially inducted the stealth frigate INS Udaygiri, the second vessel of the ambitious Project 17A, developed to enhance the country’s naval capabilities through cutting-edge technology and a strong commitment to domestic production.
Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, the Udaygiri was delivered to the Indian Navy on July 1st after a construction process notable for its efficiency: only 37 months from launch to commissioning, a record within the country’s shipbuilding industry. This frigate is the second of seven planned under Project 17A, a direct evolution of the Shivalik-class (Project 17) frigates, and belongs to the Nilgiri-class, a new generation of warships representing a qualitative leap in design, offensive capability, and stealth technology.
Advanced design and capabilities
Project 17A frigates feature enhanced stealth characteristics, state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, and optimized naval architecture. The design was entirely developed by the Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy, marking a milestone in the country’s indigenous military design capabilities.
The INS Udaygiri is equipped with a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, combining diesel engines and gas turbines, along with a modern Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS). Its arsenal includes supersonic anti-ship missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, a 76 mm main gun, and 30 mm and 12.7 mm close-in defense systems.
A symbol of autonomy and industrial development
The construction of the Udaygiri not only strengthens the country’s defense capacity but also serves as tangible proof of the Indian government’s commitment to the “Aatmanirbharta” (self-reliance) policy, employing systems and weaponry developed by more than 200 domestic companies, the majority of which are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The project has generated over 4,000 direct jobs and more than 10,000 indirect ones, boosting the economy and strengthening the defense-related industrial ecosystem.
Progress of Project 17A
Project 17A foresees the construction of four frigates at MDL in Mumbai and three at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. To date, six of the seven vessels have already been launched between 2019 and 2023. The final unit, the INS Mahendragiri, is scheduled to be launched on September 1st, thus completing the launch cycle. The remaining frigates are expected to be delivered progressively by the end of 2026.
With the commissioning of the INS Udaygiri, India reaffirms its commitment to a modern, autonomous, and technologically advanced defense, capable of operating effectively in complex oceanic environments and safeguarding the country’s maritime interests against both conventional and non-conventional threats.
*Images for illustrative purposes only.
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