Indian Navy to Strengthen Indian Ocean Presence with Induction of Six Indigenous Stealth Frigates

The Indian Navy is set to bolster its presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) with the upcoming induction of six domestically manufactured stealth frigates under Project 17A within the next year. This initiative is part of India’s broader strategy to counter China’s growing maritime influence and enhance control over crucial sea routes.

The new warships, named Udaygiri, Taragiri, Mahendragiri, Himgiri, Dunagiri, and Vindhyagiri, are expected to join the naval fleet by August to September 2026. These vessels are being built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. With 75% indigenous content, the frigates are fitted with advanced weapons, sensors, and stealth features.

Project 17A, valued at ₹45,000 crore, follows the earlier Shivalik-class frigates. The first ship of this project, INS Nilgiri, was commissioned in January, and Udaygiri is slated for commissioning in August. MDL handed over Udaygiri to the Navy on July 1. Taragiri and Mahendragiri are expected to finish trials by October 2025 and February 2026, respectively, with commissioning occurring soon thereafter.

Each of these frigates is equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and a medium-range surface-to-air missile system. The ships are 149 meters in length, have a displacement of 6,670 tonnes, and can reach speeds of up to 28 knots, accommodating 225 personnel.

Jay Varghese, who manages the P-17A program at MDL, highlighted that initial technical hurdles with the first ship were resolved, enabling smoother progress for the remaining vessels.

Alongside this project, the Navy is advancing its broader goal of indigenisation, with 60 warships currently being constructed in Indian shipyards. On January 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a rare tri-commissioning event, which saw the induction of INS Nilgiri, the destroyer INS Surat, and the submarine Vaghsheer.

The Indian Navy's goal is to achieve complete self-reliance by 2047, coinciding with the centennial celebration of India's independence. The P-17A class warships represent a significant step in achieving this objective, enhancing India’s capacity to address strategic challenges and ensuring maritime security amid rising geopolitical tensions.