The Indian Navy is set to induct two Project-17 Alpha (P-17A) frigates in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, advancing a 2015 program to strengthen its surface combatant fleet.
The INS Himgiri (F34), built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers in Kolkata, represents the second vessel of the series, while the INS Udaygiri (F35), constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai, will be the third.
For the first time, two warships produced by different shipyards will be commissioned together in Visakhapatnam, New Delhi confirmed.
The induction follows a series of sea trials validating each platform’s hull design, propulsion systems, navigation, communications, and onboard safety measures, ensuring readiness for operational deployment.
The effort has also provided significant domestic economic benefits, involving over 200 small and medium enterprises and generating about 4,000 direct and 10,000 indirect jobs nationwide.
The Nilgiri Class
Known as the Nilgiri class, the P-17A is an upgraded variant of the Indian Navy’s P-17 Shivalik frigates introduced in 2012. Each vessel is 149 meters long with an 18-meter beam, powered by two GE LM2500 and two MAN Diesel engines for speeds up to 32 knots and a range of 5,500 nautical miles.
Designed to carry 150 personnel, a helicopter, and two rigid-hull inflatable boats, the frigate is armed with a 16-mm naval gun, 12.7-mm remote gun, and a mix of anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine missile systems.
The lead ship, INS Nilgiri (F33), entered service in January, with all seven vessels under the program expected to join the fleet by 2026.
