Behind the Scenes in Strategic Vanguard: The Commissioning of INS Himagiri & INS Udayagiri
- Manoj Ambat, Lawyer/ Editor in Chief, Strategic Vanguard
- Aug 30
- 5 min read
Behind the Scenes in Strategic Vanguard: The Commissioning of INS Himagiri & INS Udayagiri
Introduction
The Indian Navy has always held a place of pride in the country’s defense ecosystem. As a peninsular nation surrounded by the vast Indian Ocean, India’s security and influence are deeply tied to its naval strength. The commissioning of two new Nilgiri-class frigates, INS Himagiri and INS Udayagiri, marks a significant milestone in India’s naval modernization journey. These ships are not merely additions to the fleet, but herald a new era of indigenous defense production, cutting-edge naval architecture, and strategic maritime presence.
In this blog, I explore the deeper meaning behind this commissioning, not only from the perspective of defense technology but also in the larger geopolitical and strategic context. The goal is to paint a comprehensive picture—how these ships came into being, what they mean for India’s naval future, and why they are critical for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
India’s Maritime Imperative
India’s geographical positioning as a peninsula gives it a unique advantage and responsibility in maritime security. With a coastline stretching over 7,500 km and a central location in the IOR, India is naturally positioned to act as a guardian of crucial sea lanes. The region sees the transit of nearly two-thirds of global oil shipments and half of the world’s container traffic, making its security vital not just for India but for the global economy.
However, opportunities and vulnerabilities go hand in hand. A maritime-centric threat can emerge at any time—from piracy and terrorism to state-sponsored naval intrusions. For India to maintain a position of dominance, its Navy must stay at the cutting edge of maritime technology. The Nilgiri-class frigates embody this very philosophy of preparedness.
The Nilgiri-Class Project 17A Frigates
The Nilgiri-class, part of the Project 17A program, represents a continuation and evolution of the earlier Shivalik-class (Project 17) frigates. Conceived under the ‘Make in India’ framework, these ships symbolize indigenous capability in warship building while also incorporating the latest global technologies.
Some key highlights of the Nilgiri-class:
Stealth Features: Reduced radar signature through advanced hull design and composite superstructure.
Weapon Systems: Equipped with a mix of anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare systems.
Propulsion: CODAG (Combined Diesel and Gas) system that ensures both efficiency and high speeds.
Aviation Facilities: Capable of operating multi-role helicopters, expanding the ship’s reconnaissance and strike capabilities.
Advanced Sensors: Cutting-edge radars and sonar systems for superior situational awareness.
The commissioning of INS Himagiri and INS Udayagiri showcases India’s ability to produce ships that are comparable to advanced classes like the Japanese Mogami-class and the American Constellation-class frigates.
INS Himagiri & INS Udayagiri – Technical and Operational Insights
INS Himagiri and INS Udayagiri are more than just names on the Navy’s order of battle. Each represents years of design, engineering, and testing. Built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), they bring state-of-the-art capabilities:
Displacement: Around 6,600 tons.
Length: Approximately 149 meters.
Speed: Capable of speeds up to 28 knots.
Crew: Around 250 personnel.
Armaments: Vertical Launch Systems for surface-to-air missiles, torpedo tubes, anti-ship missiles, and close-in weapon systems.
What makes these ships formidable is their multi-role capability—they can simultaneously defend against submarines, aircraft, and hostile surface combatants. Their design emphasizes network-centric warfare, enabling seamless coordination with other naval assets.
The Strategic Importance of Their Commissioning
The timing of these ships joining the fleet cannot be ignored. India is facing an increasingly contested maritime environment:
China’s Naval Expansion: The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has made significant inroads into the Indian Ocean, establishing bases, conducting patrols, and increasing its submarine activity.
Piracy & Non-Traditional Threats: The Gulf of Aden and parts of the Arabian Sea still see piracy-related activities, which threaten commercial shipping.
Regional Power Projection: Smaller nations in the IOR often look to India for maritime security assistance, whether it be disaster relief, humanitarian aid, or anti-piracy patrols.
By inducting these ships, India sends a clear message—it is ready to protect its maritime frontiers, assert its influence in the IOR, and counter any potential threats to its strategic autonomy.
Comparative Perspective: Standing Shoulder-to-Shoulder with Global Peers
Naval technology is a benchmark of national strength. The Nilgiri-class ships, particularly Himagiri and Udayagiri, demonstrate parity with some of the world’s best:
Japan’s Mogami-Class: Known for modular design and stealth.
U.S. Constellation-Class: Future-ready frigates with enhanced missile defense and strike capabilities.
European FREMM Frigates: Flexible platforms with proven export success.
India’s frigates now stand shoulder-to-shoulder with these global peers, signaling that the Indian Navy is not just a regional force but an emerging blue-water navy of consequence.
Beyond Technology – The Human Element
Behind the steel and electronics, the real strength of these frigates lies in the men and women who sail them. The Indian Navy’s doctrine emphasizes professionalism, discipline, and adaptability. These new ships provide the crews with world-class tools, but it is their training and courage that will make the difference in combat or crisis.
Furthermore, the commissioning of these frigates is a boost for India’s defense industry workforce—engineers, designers, scientists, and technicians who form the backbone of indigenous defense production.
Indigenous Production – A Make in India Success Story
INS Himagiri and INS Udayagiri are not just military assets; they are symbols of India’s quest for self-reliance. Over 75% of the components used in these ships are sourced domestically. This indigenization creates employment, builds technical expertise, and reduces dependence on foreign suppliers.
The journey of constructing such ships is a story of perseverance. Shipbuilders at MDL and GRSE faced challenges in timelines, technology transfer, and supply chains, but the end product is a matter of national pride.
Strategic Outlook for the Indian Navy
Looking ahead, these frigates will play a key role in India’s maritime doctrine:
Sea Control & Denial: Ensuring adversaries cannot operate freely in the IOR.
Power Projection: Operating across extended ranges, including deployments in the South China Sea and Africa’s east coast.
Maritime Diplomacy: Visiting foreign ports, participating in joint exercises, and showcasing India’s naval prowess.
Tri-Service Integration: Working closely with the Indian Air Force and Army in joint operations.
Conclusion
The commissioning of INS Himagiri and INS Udayagiri is not just an event—it is a statement of intent. India is committed to building a modern, self-reliant, and powerful navy capable of safeguarding its national interests and contributing to global maritime security. These ships embody technological excellence, strategic foresight, and the spirit of a nation determined to shape its destiny in the Indian Ocean Region.
As India continues on this path, each new ship launched or commissioned adds another layer of security and another chapter in the saga of a rising maritime power.
Final Note
This analysis is part of my ongoing series at Strategic Vanguard, where I look at defense, strategy, and foreign affairs through a lens that blends history, technology, and philosophy. The commissioning of Himagiri and Udayagiri is more than a defense update—it is a reflection of India’s evolving identity as a maritime nation.
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