Indian Navy Enhances Fleet with Delivery of Advanced Stealth Frigate INS Himgiri by GRSE
In a notable development for India's naval defense, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has handed over INS Himgiri, a modern guided-missile stealth frigate, to the Indian Navy. This warship is the first of three frigates being constructed by GRSE under Project 17A, as part of a ₹21,833 crore contract designed to enhance the Navy's surface combat capabilities.
INS Himgiri is engineered for versatile warfare, capable of addressing threats from air, surface, and underwater domains. The 149-meter-long vessel has a displacement of 6,670 tonnes and incorporates advanced systems developed within India, showcasing the country's strides towards self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing.
The frigate is armed with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for both land and maritime strike capabilities and Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles for air defense. It also boasts advanced AESA radar systems, a high degree of automation, real-time combat management tools, and the capacity for helicopter operations from its aviation deck. Powered by a Combined Diesel and Gas (CODAG) propulsion system, it offers impressive speed, endurance, and maneuverability and accommodates a crew of 225 personnel.
The delivery of Himgiri marks a significant contribution to India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, with substantial indigenous content and extensive involvement from MSMEs, OEMs, and start-ups nationwide. GRSE's success underscores the growth of India's domestic shipbuilding sector and defense industrial infrastructure.
Himgiri is the 801st vessel and the 112th warship produced and delivered by GRSE, cementing its status as the most prolific warship builder in India's history. Rear Admiral Ravnish Seth, Chief Staff Officer (Technical) of the Eastern Naval Command, formally accepted the ship on behalf of the Indian Navy.
GRSE is currently engaged in building 15 warships for the Indian Navy, including the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASWSWC) Androth and the third Survey Vessel Large, Ikshak. Both ships have completed sea trials and are scheduled for delivery soon. GRSE has also been identified as the lowest bidder for the Indian Navy’s Next Generation Corvette (NGC) project and is anticipated to construct five new-generation corvettes.
The commissioning of INS Himgiri represents a significant progression in the Indian Navy's quest for blue-water capabilities, strengthening India's standing as an emerging maritime power in the Indo-Pacific region.
