Context:
India’s naval defence capabilities received a boost with the delivery of Himgiri, a second indigenous stealth frigate in July 2025, built under Project-17A. The move aligns with India’s long-term strategy of aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in warship manufacturing.
About Himgiri
- Builder: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
- Type: Multi-role stealth frigate.
- Commissioning: Slated for end-August 2025, along with sister ship Udaygiri (delivered July 1 by Mazagon Dock Ltd).
Part of Project-17A
- Project Objective: Construction of 7 advanced stealth frigates for the Indian Navy.
- Distribution:
- 4 frigates by MDL, Mumbai.
- 3 frigates by GRSE, Kolkata.
- Total Project Cost: ₹45,000 crore.
- First Commissioned Ship: INS Nilgiri (January 2024).
- Remaining frigates expected to be delivered by end-2026.
Advanced Capabilities
- Weaponry:
- Equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles (now extended to 450 km).
- Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles (range: 70 km) for air defence.
- Technology Highlights:
- High-end automation, sensor integration, and stealth features.
- Designed to tackle multi-dimensional maritime threats.
