Indian Navy Receives Indigenous Multi-Role Stealth Frigate Himgiri

The Indian Navy bolstered its blue-water capabilities with the delivery of Himgiri, a 6,670-tonne indigenous stealth frigate built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, Times of India reported.

This marks the second such warship handed over in July, following Udaygiri from Mazagon Docks (MDL) on 1 July.

Both frigates, part of the seven-vessel Project-17A worth Rs 45,000 crore, are set for commissioning by late August.

Himgiri, the third frigate in the series, measures 149 meters and is equipped with advanced sensors and weapons, including 450-km range BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Israeli-origin Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles for air defence against aircraft, drones, and missiles.

Also Read: ‘Key Conspirator’ In Brutal Jibiram Killings In Manipur Arrested By Joint NIA-Assam Police Team

These multi-role frigates, with enhanced stealth, firepower, and automation, are designed to counter current and future maritime threats, embodying India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. 

The Navy’s first Project-17A frigate, INS Nilgiri, was commissioned in January, with the remaining four expected by late 2026.

An officer highlighted the frigates’ advanced design as a “quantum leap” in naval technology, strengthening India’s maritime security.

With 58 ships under construction in Indian shipyards for over Rs 1.2 lakh crore and 31 more planned, the 140-warship Navy is expanding to counter strategic challenges, particularly from the growing maritime collaboration between Pakistan and China.

The latter, with its 370-warship navy, is making significant inroads into the Indian Ocean Region, underscoring the need for India’s robust naval buildup.

Also Read: India Races To Bridge Ammunition Gap, Eyes Complete Indigenisation By End Of 2025