The Indian Navy is set to bolster its operational strength in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) with the upcoming induction of six advanced stealth frigates. This initiative, part of Project 17A, aims to enhance India’s capabilities and counter the growing maritime influence of China, thereby asserting greater control over crucial sea routes.
The frigates — named Udaygiri, Taragiri, Mahendragiri, Himgiri, Dunagiri, and Vindhyagiri — are expected to join the Navy’s fleet by August and September of 2026. The ships are being constructed at two key facilities: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. Notably, these vessels will feature 75% indigenous content, reflecting India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing. Equipped with cutting-edge weaponry, sensors, and stealth technology, the new warships aim to bolster India’s strategic maritime capabilities.
Project 17A, which carries a budget of ₹45,000 crore, follows the earlier commissioning of the Shivalik-class frigates. The first ship under this project, INS Nilgiri, was commissioned in January, marking a milestone for the Navy. Udaygiri is slated for commissioning in August, with its delivery to the Navy already completed on July 1. The subsequent vessels, Taragiri and Mahendragiri, are expected to finish their trials by October 2025 and February 2026, respectively.
Each of the Project 17A frigates will be armed with state-of-the-art weapon systems, including BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and a medium-range surface-to-air missile system. Measuring 149 meters in length and displacing 6,670 tonnes, these ships can achieve speeds of up to 28 knots, accommodating 225 personnel onboard.
Jay Varghese, who oversees the P-17A program at MDL, stated that any initial technical hurdles encountered with the first ship have been resolved, allowing subsequent vessels to progress without significant difficulties.
In parallel, the Indian Navy is pursuing a robust indigenisation agenda, with 60 warships currently under construction across various Indian shipyards. Highlighting this commitment to self-reliance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently oversaw a tri-commissioning event on January 15, during which INS Nilgiri, destroyer INS Surat, and submarine Vaghsheer were inducted into service.
With a goal of achieving full self-reliance by 2047, coinciding with the centenary of India’s independence, the P-17A class warships represent a significant advance in India’s defense capabilities. This development not only enhances the Navy’s readiness to counter strategic threats but also reinforces maritime security in a region increasingly marked by geopolitical competition.
