INS Udaygiri Induction (Project 17A)

Context: The Indian Navy has inducted INS Udaygiri, the second indigenous stealth frigate under Project 17A, marking a significant advancement in India’s naval capabilities and indigenous defence manufacturing.

Key Highlights:

• Delivered in a record 37 months, showcasing enhanced efficiency in shipbuilding.

• Built under Project 17A, the successor to the Shivalik-class frigates (Project 17).

• Constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDSL), Mumbai, and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata.

• Total of 7 multi-mission stealth frigates planned; 5 more to be delivered by 2026.

Strategic and Technological Significance:

• Designed for blue-water operations to counter both conventional and non-conventional threats in India’s maritime domain.

• Equipped with:

  • Supersonic surface-to-surface missiles

  • Medium-range surface-to-air missiles

  • 76 mm main gun

  • 30 mm and 12.7 mm close-in weapon systems

• Enhanced stealth, weapon, and sensor systems.

• Reflects a “quantum leap” in the Indian Navy’s in-house warship design capabilities (Warship Design Bureau).

Legacy:

• Named after the decommissioned erstwhile INS Udaygiri, which served for 31 years (decommissioned in 2007).

This induction aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat and strengthens India’s blue water naval aspirations.