In a remarkable stride forward for India’s naval defense capabilities, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has delivered the INS Himgiri, a cutting-edge guided-missile stealth frigate, to the Indian Navy. This significant event highlights India’s ongoing commitment to strengthen its maritime forces and enhance its surface combatant fleet.
INS Himgiri is the first of three frigates being constructed under Project 17A, backed by a substantial contract worth ₹21,833 crore. This initiative aims to bolster India’s capabilities in multi-dimensional warfare, allowing the warship to effectively counter potential threats from air, surface, and underwater domains. Spanning 149 meters and displacing 6,670 tonnes, Himgiri is equipped with some of the most advanced systems developed in India, embodying the nation’s push toward self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
The frigate boasts an array of sophisticated armaments, including BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, which are designed for both land and maritime strike operations, and Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles for aerial defense. Its advanced AESA radar systems enhance situational awareness, while high levels of automation and real-time combat management tools ensure optimal operational efficiency. The vessel also supports helicopter operations from its dedicated aviation deck, further augmenting its combat readiness. A Combined Diesel and Gas (CODAG) propulsion system guarantees high speed, endurance, and maneuverability, with a crew complement of 225 personnel.
The induction of INS Himgiri significantly contributes to India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, reflecting a high degree of indigenous content and showcasing the vital role played by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and start-ups across the country. This achievement underscores the progressive growth of India’s domestic shipbuilding ecosystem and defense industrial base.
Notably, Himgiri marks the 801st vessel and the 112th warship built and delivered by GRSE, establishing the shipyard as the most prolific warship builder in India’s maritime history. The delivery was formally accepted on behalf of the Indian Navy by Rear Admiral Ravnish Seth, Chief Staff Officer (Technical) of the Eastern Naval Command.
Currently, GRSE is engaged in constructing 15 warships for the Indian Navy, including the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASWSWC), named Androth, and the third Survey Vessel Large, Ikshak, both of which have successfully completed their sea trials and are scheduled for delivery. Additionally, GRSE has emerged as the lowest bidder for the Indian Navy’s Next Generation Corvette (NGC) project, which involves the construction of five advanced corvettes.
The introduction of INS Himgiri marks a significant advancement in the Indian Navy’s efforts to acquire blue-water capabilities, reinforcing India’s stature as a burgeoning maritime power in the strategically important Indo-Pacific region.
