Indian Navy Will Get Six Stealth Frigates

The Indian Navy will sharpen its edge in the Indian Ocean region with the induction of six locally made warships in around a year. Indian...

The Indian Navy will sharpen its edge in the Indian Ocean region with the induction of six locally made warships in around a year.

Indian Navy Will Get Six Stealth Frigates

Strategic Boost to Maritime Security

  • The Indian Navy is set to enhance its dominance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) with the induction of six indigenous warships within a year.
  • This move comes amid China’s increasing efforts to expand its maritime influence through bases and strategic partnerships.

Project 17A: A Significant Naval Upgrade

  • The six stealth frigates under Project 17A—Udaygiri, Taragiri, Mahendragiri, Himgiri, Dunagiri, and Vindhyagiri—are scheduled for commissioning by August-September 2026.
  • These warships are a follow-on to the Shivalik-class (Project 17) and mark a substantial upgrade in capabilities.
  • The project is valued at ₹45,000 crore.

Key Features of Project 17A Frigates

  • 75% indigenous content, showcasing India’s shipbuilding prowess.
  • Equipped with modern weapons, sensors, and systems for sea battlespace dominance.
  • Armaments include:
    • BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles
    • Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system
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Shipyard Contributions

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai

  • Building Taragiri and Mahendragiri.
  • Delivered INS Udaygiri on July 1, 2025.
  • Expected delivery timelines:
    • Taragiri: After trials by October 2025
    • Mahendragiri: After trials by February 2026

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata

  • Building Himgiri, Dunagiri, and Vindhyagiri.
  • Expected delivery timelines:
    • Himgiri: July-end 2025
    • Dunagiri: Early 2026
    • Vindhyagiri: August 2026

Commissioning Process and Current Status

  • The Navy usually commissions warships 1-2 months after delivery.
  • INS Nilgiri, the first ship under Project 17A, was inducted in January 2025.
  • INS Udaygiri is scheduled for commissioning in August 2025.

Historic Tri-Commissioning Event

  • On January 15, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three indigenous platforms:
    • INS Nilgiri (stealth frigate)
    • INS Surat (destroyer)
    • INS Vagsheer (Kalvari-class submarine)
  • This rare tri-commissioning at MDL marked a major step toward modernizing India’s naval forces.

Regional Maritime Tensions and China’s Growing Presence

  • China continues to expand its maritime footprint in the Indian Ocean through:
    • Establishing military bases
    • Advancing maritime claims
    • Gaining strategic concessions from smaller nations
  • The Indian Navy maintains vigilance on extra-regional activity, especially monitoring Chinese vessels.

Conclusion

The induction of Project 17A frigates is a critical development in India’s strategy to maintain a secure and dominant position in the Indian Ocean Region. These state-of-the-art warships not only demonstrate India’s indigenous defence capabilities but also send a strong message amid increasing regional maritime competition.

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Divyanshu Pandey

Senior Lecturer General Studies, SSBCrackExams, Cleared CDS 4 times, NDA 2 times, Ex- N.C.C. cadet, SSB Expert. Passionate Teacher, Trained defence aspirants for their SSB Interview, BSc in PCM expertise in Geography, Indian Polity, Current Affairs and Defence affairs. Writing Article and Travelling solo.

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