Visakhapatnam, Yesterday in a landmark event, the Indian Navy commissioned two advanced Nilgiri-class stealth guided-missile frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, simultaneously at Visakhapatnam, marking the first-ever dual induction of frontline warships in its history. The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, highlighting a significant boost to India's naval power and indigenous defense manufacturing.

Built under the prestigious Project 17A, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri are equipped with cutting-edge stealth features, advanced weapons, and sensor systems. The vessels were constructed at two of India's leading shipyards — Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, respectively. INS Udaygiri also marks the 100th warship designed by the Navy's Warship Design Bureau, showcasing India's growing expertise in indigenous naval design and construction.

Each frigate displaces approximately 6,700 tonnes and measures about 149 meters in length, capable of speeds exceeding 28 knots. Armed with a versatile mix of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles, advanced torpedoes, and naval guns, these ships are designed to undertake a full spectrum of maritime operations including anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare. Both frigates can also operate multiple helicopters, enhancing their operational reach.

The dual induction strengthens the Eastern Fleet's operational capabilities in the strategically critical Bay of Bengal and Indo-Pacific region, reinforcing India's maritime security posture amid rising regional challenges. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the ships as milestones in national security, emphasizing their advanced combat capabilities and role in deterring evolving maritime threats.

With over 75% indigenous content, these frigates align with the Indian government's “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, underlining the nation’s commitment to self-reliance in defense technology. Their simultaneous commissioning reflects enhanced cooperation between shipyards and a maturing defense industrial base capable of delivering world-class warships efficiently.

As part of a seven-ship Nilgiri-class series, these vessels signify a major step in modernizing the Indian Navy’s fleet and asserting its presence in critical sea lanes, essential for safeguarding trade routes and national interests.