⚓ India Commissions Project 17A Stealth Frigates INS Udaygiri & INS Himgiri – Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Action

By Suryavanshi IAS

---

📌 Why in News?

On August 27, 2025, the Indian Navy will commission two state-of-the-art Project 17A stealth frigates — INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri — at Naval Base, Visakhapatnam.

This is the first-ever simultaneous commissioning of two frontline warships built at different shipyards:

• Udaygiri – by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai.

• Himgiri – by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.

The event will be presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

---

🚢 Key Features of Project 17A Frigates

1. Follow-on to Shivalik-class frigates – improved stealth, weaponry, and sensors.

2. Design – In-house by Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB); Udaygiri is the 100th vessel designed.

3. Propulsion – Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system.

4. Systems – Integrated Platform Management System + indigenous sensors.

5. Indigenous Content – ~75%, supported by MSMEs → Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

6. Construction – Modular techniques → faster delivery.

7. Fleet Induction – Will join the Eastern Naval Command, enhancing operational reach.

8. Heritage Names – Revive legacy of earlier warships named Udaygiri & Himgiri.

---

🏛️ UPSC Relevance

1. General Studies Paper II (Governance & IR)

• India’s Act East Policy & maritime cooperation in Indo-Pacific.

• Naval diplomacy in Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

• Role in Quad & strategic partnerships.

PYQ Example:

• 2014 (GS-II): “What are India’s stakes in the South China Sea?”

---

2. General Studies Paper III (Security & Technology)

• Maritime Security: Blue-water capabilities enhance deterrence against China’s expanding naval presence.

• Indigenisation: 75% indigenous content aligns with Aatmanirbhar Bharat & Make in India (Defence).

• Defence Production: Boost to MSMEs & defence shipyards.

PYQ Examples:

• 2015 (GS-III): “Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How has the application of this technology helped India in its socio-economic development?” (parallel: indigenous defence technology).

• 2020 (GS-III): “What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in Eastern part of India? What strategy should the government adopt…” (contextual link: internal vs. external security).

---

3. Essay & Ethics

• Essay Themes:

  • “Self-reliance in Defence is the true test of sovereignty.”

  • “Maritime strength is the foundation of national power.”

• Ethics Angle:

  • Commitment to national security, indigenous innovation, and responsible defence spending.

---

📊 Data & Facts for Enrichment

• Project 17A: 7 frigates sanctioned in 2015 → 4 by MDL, 3 by GRSE.

• Indigenisation: India ranks 4th globally in naval shipbuilding capacity.

• Strategic Reach: Eastern Fleet headquartered in Visakhapatnam → vital for Andaman & Nicobar maritime security.

• China Factor: PLA Navy now the world’s largest (355+ warships). India’s response → strengthening IOR presence.

---

📝 Way Forward

1. Strengthening Indigenisation

   • Deepen R&D investment in propulsion, radars, missile systems.

   • Reduce dependency on foreign engines & electronics.

2. Maritime Strategy

   • Enhance Eastern Naval Command & Andaman Command for Indo-Pacific presence.

   • Integration with Coast Guard for hybrid security threats (piracy, smuggling).

3. Global Cooperation

   • Joint exercises with Quad, ASEAN, Indian Ocean Rim Association.

   • Promote India as a hub for defence exports.

---

🎯 Takeaway for Aspirants

INS Udaygiri & Himgiri exemplify:

• Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence.

• Maritime security strategy in IOR.

• Indigenous design & manufacturing capacity.

👉 Perfect case study for GS-II (IR), GS-III (Security & Technology), Essay, and Interview.