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The Indian Navy today formally received INS Udaygiri, the second vessel in the advanced stealth frigate line under Project 17A, from Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). This marks a significant step in India’s pursuit of indigenous naval capability and maritime dominance in the Indian Ocean Region.
INS Udaygiri, named after its predecessor that served the nation for over three decades before its decommissioning in 2007, is a state-of-the-art warship equipped to handle both traditional and modern threats in a blue-water operational environment. She is the second of seven stealth frigates being built under Project 17A for the Indian Navy, with construction distributed between MDL in Mumbai and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.
This latest addition to the fleet is a next-generation evolution of the earlier Shivalik-class (Project 17) frigates, incorporating improved stealth, firepower, and automation.
Udaygiri was delivered to the navy just 37 months after her launch, showcasing a new efficiency in naval shipbuilding, made possible by an integrated construction approach that emphasises modular pre-outfitting.
Technological Leap and Combat Readiness
The Project 17A ships have been designed with a 4.54% larger hull and feature stealth-enhancing geometry for reduced radar signature. Powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system and featuring Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP), the ship is fitted with a sophisticated Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) for improved control and automation.
Her armament includes supersonic anti-ship missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missile systems, a 76 mm main gun, and multiple close-in weapon systems (CIWS), designed to defend against aerial and sea-based threats.
A Triumph of Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
INS Udaygiri stands as a powerful example of India’s progress toward ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India), particularly in the defence sector. Over 80% of the ship’s systems and components have been sourced from Indian manufacturers, including more than 200 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The project has also delivered strong socio-economic benefits, generating direct employment for around 4,000 workers and indirectly supporting over 10,000 jobs through associated industries. This ripple effect has boosted local economies and contributed to a resilient defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Looking Ahead
With five more P17A-class frigates still under construction for the navy, India’s naval capabilities are set to be further enhanced. All remaining ships are expected to be delivered by the end of 2026, reinforcing India’s maritime security posture and strategic autonomy.
Why This Matters
As geopolitical tensions evolve in the Indo-Pacific, platforms like INS Udaygiri enable India to safeguard its maritime interests with confidence and credibility.
