INS Udaygiri
On 1 July 2025, the Indian Navy received INS Udaygiri, the second ship of Project 17A stealth frigates. This delivery signifies a major advancement in India’s naval capabilities. Udaygiri is built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai, and is part of a series of seven ships designed for modern naval warfare. The frigate is a successor to the Shivalik class and is equipped to operate in a ‘Blue Water’ environment, addressing both conventional and non-conventional threats.
Project 17A
Project 17A is a follow-on to the earlier Shivalik class (Project 17) frigates. The project includes the construction of seven multi-mission frigates. These ships are designed with enhanced stealth features and advanced weaponry. The capabilities of the Project 17A frigates represent upgrade from their predecessors.
Design and Construction
Udaygiri showcases the Indian Navy’s in-house design capabilities. The Warship Design Bureau has led this initiative. The frigates are built using ‘Integrated Construction’ philosophy, allowing extensive pre-outfitting to reduce build times. Udaygiri was delivered in a record 37 months since its launch.
Technical Specifications
The hull of Udaygiri is larger by 4.54% compared to the P17 class. It features Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion, integrating a diesel engine and gas turbine. This configuration includes a Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) and an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS). The advanced weapon suite comprises a supersonic surface-to-surface missile system, a medium-range surface-to-air missile system, and various rapid-fire close-in weapon systems.
Indigenous Manufacturing and Employment
Udaygiri exemplifies India’s commitment to self-reliance in shipbuilding. The project has generated direct employment for around 4,000 personnel, with more than 10,000 jobs created indirectly through ancillary sources. The involvement of over 200 medium, small, and micro enterprises (MSMEs) has boosted the industrial ecosystem.
Future Prospects
The remaining five Project 17A frigates are under construction at both Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers. They are scheduled for progressive delivery by the end of 2026. The completion of these ships will further enhance India’s naval capabilities and military manufacturing strength.
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