- Equipped with next-gen weapons & systems, the ships to enhance Navy’s ability to safeguard national interests across full spectrum of maritime missions
- These frigates would reinforce its role as First Responder & Preferred Security Partner in Indian Ocean Region: DM
- Aatmanirbharta is no longer just a slogan, it is becoming a ground reality; Armed Forces being strengthened under a futuristic vision
- India does not believe in aggressive expansionism, but we will not bow before those who mean to harm us
NE NEWS SERVICE
VISAKHAPATNAM, AUG 26
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday commissioned two multi-mission stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, here at the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy.
Udaygiri and Himagiri come from the Indian Navy’s latest state-of-the-art Project 17 A and the commissioning marks the first occasion when two frontline surface combatants constructed at two different shipyards were commissioned simultaneously.
In his address, he exuded confidence that these warships will not only strengthen the security system and safeguard maritime interests, but will also assist in Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief missions. He stated that the commissioning bolsters India’s policy of Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security & Growth for All in the Region). These frigates, which will enhance the capability of the Indian Navy, send a message that India is fully capable of protecting its maritime borders and is ready to respond immediately to any situation,” he added.
Aatmanirbhar Navy
INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri follow INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of the successor class to Project 17 (Shivalik class). They incorporate improved stealth features, reduced radar signatures, advanced surveillance radars and electronic warfare suites, supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles and rapid-fire gun systems. Both ships feature Combined Diesel or Gas propulsion plants and a state-of-the-art Integrated Platform Management System, enabling higher speeds and improved fuel efficiency.
These are the 100th and 101st warships designed in-house by the Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy, and built in India, reflecting the Navy’s continuous effort to enhance indigenous content and self-reliance. High indigenous content — exceeding 75% — has been achieved through the participation of numerous MSMEs and the procurement of major weapons and sensors from Indian Original Equipment Manufacturers.
He described the commissioning as a giant stride towards the realisation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and a proof of the Government’s vision & commitment. “INS Udaygiri & INS Himgiri are the shining examples of the Government’s firm resolve towards self-reliance, symbols of a transformative movement, and testament to the vision that the nation will touch greater heights & obtain the goal of self-reliance with concerted efforts of all stakeholders,” he said, commending the seamless collaboration between MDL and GRSE in constructing and delivering the two potent warships.
Blue Water Navy
The multi-mission frigates are crucial operational enablers that will enhance the Navy’s ability to safeguard national interests across the full spectrum of maritime missions. They are equipped with next-generation weapons, sensors and integrated platform management systems, are ready to perform anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, sea-control and humanitarian operations.
Rajnath Singh asserted that the commissioning of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri not only strengthens the Navy’s combat potential but reinforces its role as a “First Responder” and “Preferred Security Partner” in the Indian Ocean Region. “From combating piracy, fighting against smuggling and illegal trafficking, curbing maritime terrorism, or providing relief after a natural disaster, these warships will prove to be a game-changer in complex and risky operations,” he said.
Rajnath Singh dubbed the Indian Navy as a symbol of India’s maritime power as it is safeguarding the country’s interests amidst the Naval activities being witnessed from Arabian Sea to Middle East and eastern African seaboard. “The geo-strategic condition is such that it has the capability to directly impact our economic development. Our energy requirements, oil and natural gas depend to a large extent on the security of this region. Our Navy has emerged as a major pillar of our national economic security,” he said.
Ever-ready Navy
Appreciating the prompt planning and execution of the Indian Navy during Operation Sindoor, Rajnath Singh stated that “the adversary realises the strength and capability of our Navy and what it can do”. He termed the seamless synergy among the three Services and other security agencies/departments during the operation as a proof that the nation stands united in every challenge and tackles it effectively.
“India does not believe in aggressive expansionism. We never attack any country or provoke anyone. But, this doesn’t mean we bow before those who mean to harm us. When our security is threatened, we know how to give a befitting reply. Innocent civilians were killed in Pahalgam. We gave an effective, measured and precise response through Operation Sindoor. We pledged to destroy terrorist hideouts and successfully achieved our goals. I want to reiterate that the operation is not over, it is merely a pause. Today, the entire nation is united against terrorism under the leadership of PM Modi, and this national unity, discipline, sacrifice & dedication are our real strength,” added Raksha Mantri.
Future-ready Navy
On the rapidly-evolving nature of warfare, Rajnath Singh stated that new technologies, strategies and equipment are being witnessed in every conflict, and it has become necessary to not only keep updating oneself, but also explore the unexplored and achieve the unexpected. “Old thinking won’t work in today’s era. We need to anticipate new threats and keep finding solutions, which is why our government is giving priority to research and development in the defence sector. Earlier, only a few countries were manufacturing high-tech equipment, which now India is producing on its own soil,” he said.
He voiced the Government’s unwavering resolve to strengthen the Armed Forces under a futuristic vision, terming it as a big achievement of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign. “Today, we are protecting not only land, sea and sky, but also space, cyberspace, economic space and social space. Self-reliance is no longer just a slogan; it is becoming a ground reality. And this is due to the hard work of our scientists, officers of the Armed Forces and every person who works diligently day and night,” he stated.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi described the double-commissioning as a clear testimony to the continued progress and dynamic expansion of India’s maritime power. He also highlighted the Indian Navy’s ability to deliver overwhelming force from the sea in the present age of uncertainties and competition, terming it as a credible deterrence against the nation’s enemies. “We demonstrated this brilliantly during Operation Sindoor when swift deployment and aggressive posturing of our units, effectively constrained the Pakistan Navy, and forced them to request a cease of kinetic actions,” he said.
Recalling PM Modi’s call for manufacturing indigenous equipment to generate uniqueness and a surprise element in the security apparatus of the country, the Chief of the Naval Staff stated that INS Himgiri and INS Udaygiri, with over 75% indigenous content, are milestones on the road to achieving self-reliance in defence production.
Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi congratulated the Commanding Officers of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, and the Commissioning Crew, who have worked tirelessly shoulder to shoulder with all the stakeholders to achieve this important milestone.
Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, other senior officers of the Navy and naval veterans were among the dignitaries present on the occasion.
