What happened?
The Indian Navy on August 26th, 2025 commissioned two advanced stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, at Visakhapatnam in a ceremony presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Built under Project 17-A, the ships represent the first time two major warships constructed by Indian shipyards—MDL in Mumbai and GRSE in Kolkata—have been commissioned together. Equipped with BrahMos land-attack missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, and advanced anti-submarine systems, the frigates feature stealth-oriented designs, enhanced propulsion, and an Integrated Platform Management System.
Why it matters to India
The commissioning strengthens India’s naval capabilities in the Indian Ocean, adding cutting-edge stealth, firepower and endurance to the Eastern Fleet. With proven sea trials behind them, the warships expand the Navy’s capacity to undertake long-range, multi-domain missions, reinforcing maritime security and safeguarding national interests across critical sea lanes.