Commissioning of Project 17A Stealth Frigates
The Indian Navy is poised to enhance its maritime capabilities with the commissioning of two advanced stealth frigates, Udaygiri and Himgiri. This event marks a significant achievement for indigenous warship design and construction in India.
Vessels and Design
- Type: Project 17A stealth frigates
- Design:
- Follow-on variants of the Shivalik-class frigates
- Enhanced stealth capabilities, advanced weaponry, and modern sensor systems
- Designed to perform a full spectrum of maritime operations in blue-water conditions
- Indigenous Content: Approximately 75%
Significance
- Design Milestone: Udaygiri is the 100th vessel designed by the Navy's Warship Design Bureau (WDB), marking five decades of indigenous warship design.
- Construction Achievement: Udaygiri was the fastest of her class to be delivered post-launch due to modular construction techniques.
- Aatmanirbhar Bharat: The frigates embody the vision of self-reliant India, with substantial support from MSMEs.
- Strategic Impact: Enhances the Eastern Fleet's operational reach, reaffirming India's maritime presence in the Indian Ocean Region.