INS Udaygiri

Why in News? INS Udaygiri, a stealth frigate under Project 17A, was delivered to the Indian Navy on July 1, 2025, by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL). As the second vessel of the Nilgiri-class stealth frigates, it marks a significant milestone in India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) initiative, boasting 75% indigenous content. The warship enhances the Navy’s maritime strength in the Indian Ocean Region and showcases India’s advanced shipbuilding capabilities.

Key Points about INS Udaygiri:

1. Project 17A (P-17A):
   • Second of seven Nilgiri-class stealth frigates under Project 17A, succeeding the Shivalik-class (P-17) frigates.
   • Designed by the Warship Design Bureau and built by MDSL (Mumbai) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (Kolkata).
   • Remaining five ships scheduled for delivery by end of 2026.
2. Indigenous Content:
   • 75% indigenous content, making it the 100th vessel designed and delivered by the Warship Design Bureau.
   • Supported by over 200 medium, small, and micro enterprises, highlighting India’s robust industrial ecosystem.
3. Advanced Features:
   • Enhanced stealth capabilities and upgraded weapons/sensors compared to P-17 class.
   • Armament includes:
     • Supersonic surface-to-surface missile system.
     • Medium-range surface-to-air missile system.
     • 76 mm gun.
     • 30 mm and 12.7 mm rapid-fire close-in weapon systems.
   • Most weapons and sensors sourced from indigenous manufacturers.
4. Record Delivery:
   • Delivered in 37 months from launch, a record for such a complex warship.
   • Modern successor to the decommissioned INS Udaygiri (a steamship, retired in 2007 after 31 years).
5. Strategic Significance:
   • Boosts Indian Navy’s combat readiness and maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.
   • Exemplifies India’s advancements in ship design, construction, and self-reliance.

Context: The delivery of INS Udaygiri underscores India’s push towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing, aligning with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. It strengthens the Navy’s operational capabilities and highlights the Warship Design Bureau’s expertise and the efficiency of India’s shipbuilding industry.