The Indian Navy is set to add INS Himagiri and INS Udayagiri, two advanced stealth frigates, to its fleet under Project 17A.
Indian Navy To Induct INS Himagiri, INS Udaygiri
The Indian Navy is set to add INS Himagiri and INS Udayagiri, two advanced stealth frigates, to its fleet under Project 17A. These warships are part of the Nilgiri class and will boost the Navy’s combat capabilities in warfare domains, including anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine operations.
Both INS Himagiri and INS Udayagiri are made with 75 per cent indigenous components. Weighing 6,600 tons, these giants can cruise at 30 knots (56 km/h). Their stealth technology minimises radar, infrared, and acoustic signatures, making it difficult for enemies to detect enemies. Additionally, these warships are equipped with an integrated combat management system, allowing them to operate autonomously or as part of a larger naval fleet for strategic flexibility in high-stakes missions.
Ships in the Project 17A series
Nilgiri: The first ship in the series, launched in 2019
Himgiri: The first of the three ships built at GRSE
Udayagiri: Launched in 2023
Dunagiri: Launched in 2023
Taragiri: Named after a hill range in the Himalayas
Vindhya Giri: Named after a mountain range in Karnataka
Mahendragiri: The seventh and final ship in the series
A look at the ships’ advanced capabilities and weapon system:
Air defence: These frigates are armed with Barak-8 long-range surface-to-air missiles to protect against aircraft, drones, and missiles
Anti-ship warfare: The ship is equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to engage and destroy enemy ships with precision strikes at long range.
Anti-submarine warfare: The cruise has Varunastra torpedoes and anti-submarine rocket launchers to track and eliminate underwater threats.
Surveillance and detection: These ships can detect, track, and neutralise threats with the help of sonar, multi-function digital radar, and advanced electronic warfare systems. Additionally, these frigates have a helipad and hangar capable of housing two helicopters, enhancing their operational range and reconnaissance capabilities.
