The Indian Navy is commissioning INS Himgiri (F34) and INS Udaygiri (F35), part of the Project 17A Nilgiri-class frigates. Built by GRSE Kolkata and MDL Mumbai, they are the second and third ships of the program, commissioned together in Visakhapatnam. Their induction follows extensive sea trials testing hulls, machinery, firefighting, navigation, and systems performance. P-17A frigates measure 149 meters long and 18 meters wide, powered by two GE LM2500 gas turbines and two MAN Diesel engines, achieving 32 knots and a range of 5,500 nautical miles. They house 150 personnel, a helicopter, two RIB boats, and are armed with 76mm guns, remote 12.7mm guns, and anti-air, surface, and sub-surface missiles. Over 200 SMEs were involved, creating more than 14,000 jobs. The first ship, INS Nilgiri, was commissioned in early 2024; all seven vessels will be operational by 2026.
