Indian Navy's "Blue Water" Capabilities Enhanced with Commissioning of Two Advanced Frigates

The Indian Navy is set to commission two advanced frontline frigates, Udaygiri and Himgiri, on August 26. The ships are part of Project 17A stealth frigates and were built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, respectively. The commissioning marks a milestone in India's naval modernization and showcases the success of the "Make in India" and "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiatives. The ships are designed to operate in a "Blue Water" environment and are equipped with advanced weapon systems.

The Indian Navy is poised to commission two advanced frontline frigates, Udaygiri and Himgiri, on August 26. These ships are part of Project 17A stealth frigates and were built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), respectively. The commissioning event marks a significant milestone in India's naval modernization efforts and underscores the success of the "Make in India" and "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiatives [1].

Udaygiri and Himgiri are designed to operate in a "Blue Water" environment, capable of handling both conventional and non-conventional threats. They are equipped with advanced weapon systems, including supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, and a combination of 76 mm and 30 mm close-in weapon systems [1]. The frigates are powered by combined diesel or gas (CODOG) propulsion plants and managed through an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), enhancing their operational capabilities.

The commissioning of these frigates is part of a broader trend of India's accelerating naval modernization. The Indian Navy has been committed to self-reliance in ship design and construction, as evidenced by the recent commissioning of other indigenous platforms such as the destroyer INS Surat, frigate INS Nilgiri, and submarine INS Vaghsheer [1]. This commitment reflects India's growing capability to deliver sophisticated warships from multiple shipyards, a testament to the "Make in India" and "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiatives.

The forthcoming ceremony at Visakhapatnam will be more than a naval ritual; it will be a celebration of India's journey towards a robust and self-sufficient maritime defense ecosystem. The two grey hulls will join the fleet, embodying India's rising maritime power and the success of its defense industry [1].

In addition to the commissioning of Udaygiri and Himgiri, another significant development is the recent port call of INS Tamal, a stealth frigate, at Casablanca, Morocco. This event highlights India's maritime diplomacy and reinforces bilateral ties, as INS Tamal is the third Indian naval ship to visit Casablanca in the last two years [1].

References:
[1] https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2025/08/10/del35-navy-stealth-frigates.html