Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 10: In a landmark moment for India's naval modernization drive, the Indian Navy will commission two cutting-edge stealth frigates — INS Udaygiri (F35) and INS Himgiri (F34) — simultaneously on August 26 in Visakhapatnam.

This will mark the first-ever dual commissioning of major surface combatants from two different Indian shipyards on the same day, with Udaygiri built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, and Himgiri by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.

Part of the Project 17A (Nilgiri-class) series, the ships are a significant upgrade over the previous Shivalik-class (Project 17) frigates. Designed with enhanced stealth features, improved sensors, and advanced weapon systems, they reflect a "generational leap" in Indian warship design.

Displacing around 6,700 tonnes, the P17A frigates are 5% larger than their predecessors but are sleeker with a reduced radar cross-section, enhancing their survivability in contested waters. They are equipped with CODOG propulsion systems — combining diesel engines and gas turbines — and operated via an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) for greater efficiency.

The commissioning of Udaygiri also marks a historic feat, being the 100th ship designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau.

This event showcases the success of the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, demonstrating India’s growing capacity to deliver world-class warships from multiple domestic shipyards.