On August 26, 2025, the Indian Navy officially commissioned two Nilgiri-class multi-role stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, during a ceremony held at Naval Base Visakhapatnam in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The event marked the first time two frontline warships, built at separate Indian shipyards, were inducted simultaneously.
INS Udaygiri was constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, while INS Himgiri was delivered by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. Both vessels are part of Project 17A and will operate with the Eastern Fleet.
Displacing around 6,700 tons, the frigates are equipped with 32 Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles, eight BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, a 76 mm OTO Melara main gun, torpedo tubes, rocket launchers, and close-in weapon systems. Their advanced sensor suite includes modern radars, sonar, and electronic warfare systems, ensuring strong anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine capabilities.
Defence Minister Singh emphasized that the ships will not only enhance India’s maritime security and combat readiness but also play a crucial role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions. He highlighted that the induction reflects India’s “Neighbourhood First” and “MAHASAGAR” policies, reinforcing the Navy’s role as a First Responder and trusted security partner in the Indian Ocean.
The commissioning of Udaygiri and Himgiri demonstrates India’s expanding indigenous shipbuilding capacity while significantly boosting the Navy’s deterrence and operational presence across the Indian Ocean region.
