New Delhi, 3 July 2025 — India has made rapid strides in its Project 17A (P‑17A) stealth frigate programme. These advanced, indigenously built warships enhance the Indian Navy’s blue-water capabilities and reinforce the country’s strategic autonomy in shipbuilding
Udaygiri Delivered in Record Time
INS Udaygiri, the second ship in the P‑17A series, was delivered by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL) after just 37 months of construction—a record timeline. The vessel incorporates advanced stealth features, modern weapons systems, and sophisticated sensors.
Its construction highlights India’s growing defence production capabilities and showcases the vital role played by domestic MSMEs in supporting indigenous military projects.
Growing Fleet of Next-Gen Frigates
Project 17A is a follow-up to the earlier Shivalik-class frigates, featuring substantial upgrades. It comprises a total of seven stealth warships—four being built by MDL and three by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE).
These include Nilgiri, Himgiri, Taragiri, Udaygiri, Vindhyagiri, Dunagiri, and Mahendragiri. Each ship is equipped with improved stealth architecture, extended helicopter capability, and a powerful integrated combat suite.
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Built with Indigenous Materials and Systems
The ships use modular block construction across both shipyards and incorporate indigenously sourced DMR 249A steel, composite materials, and signature suppression technologies. Project 17A vessels feature high levels of indigenous content, including advanced weapon systems such as BrahMos missiles, Barak‑8 Long Range Surface-to-Air Missiles, twin torpedo launchers, and anti-submarine rocket systems.
Combat-Ready with Modern Technology
P‑17A frigates are designed for multi-domain combat. Their stealth hull design reduces radar, infrared, and acoustic signatures. Armed with 290-km range BrahMos cruise missiles, a 32-cell Barak‑8 LR SAM system, OTO Melara 76 mm naval gun, AK‑630M close-in weapon systems, and RBU‑6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers, these ships are formidable in any combat scenario. BEL-developed radar and sonar suites further boost situational awareness and precision targeting.
Strategic Edge in Maritime Operations
Project 17A marks a critical step in India’s journey towards building a self-reliant, modern naval force. These stealth frigates are capable of full-spectrum operations—air, surface, and sub-surface—and significantly enhance India’s operational reach across the Indo-Pacific. The project also strengthens India’s position as a key regional power committed to maritime security, deterrence, and defence exports.
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