The Indian Navy is preparing to significantly strengthen its maritime capabilities with the upcoming introduction of INS Himagiri and INS Udaygiri, two advanced stealth frigates developed under Project 17A.
These cutting-edge warships, part of the Nilgiri-class, will substantially improve the Navy's ability to conduct anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare.
These frigates represent a major achievement for India's "Make in India" initiative, with an impressive 75 percent of their components sourced domestically. Project 17A, a substantial undertaking with a budget of approximately ₹45,000 crore (about $5.4 billion USD), aims to deliver a total of seven stealth frigates.
These ships are being constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.
The extensive use of indigenous components demonstrates the growth and capability of India's defense industry, which is now capable of supplying crucial systems, ranging from propulsion to weaponry.
Each weighing approximately 6,600 tons, these warships are engineered for both speed and stealth. They are designed to achieve a top speed of around 30 knots (56 km/h), providing agility while incorporating advanced technologies to minimize detection.
Their stealth characteristics reduce their radar cross-section, infrared signature, and acoustic emissions, making them difficult for adversaries to track. This is crucial for operations in contested maritime environments, where avoiding detection is paramount.
INS Himagiri and INS Udaygiri are equipped with a sophisticated Integrated Combat Management System (CMS). This advanced network facilitates the seamless integration of sensors, weapons, and communication systems, allowing the frigates to operate independently or as part of a larger naval group.
This adaptability makes them valuable assets, capable of undertaking a variety of missions, from protecting coastal waters to conducting operations far from shore.
The frigates' multi-role design allows them to address a wide range of threats.
For defense against aircraft, they are equipped with sophisticated radar and missile systems. Their anti-surface warfare capabilities include powerful weapons designed to engage enemy ships.
Additionally, their anti-submarine warfare systems, incorporating sonar and torpedoes, enable them to effectively track and neutralize underwater threats. This comprehensive suite of capabilities reflects the Indian Navy's expanding role in safeguarding critical sea lanes within the Indo-Pacific region.
The commissioning of INS Himagiri and INS Udaygiri is particularly timely, as India faces increasing maritime challenges, such as piracy, territorial disputes, and the heightened activity of other navies (particularly China) in the region.
The Nilgiri-class frigates are an evolution of the previous Project 17 warships, incorporating design improvements and technological advancements to enhance performance and survivability. These improvements, as detailed by naval experts, include better sea-keeping, improved stealth, and more advanced sensor suites.
