Udaygiri: MDL Delivers Second P17A Stealth Frigate to Indian Navy

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) reached a significant milestone with the delivery of the Udaygiri, the second stealth frigate under Project 17A (P17A), to the Indian Navy. The official handover occurred at the MDL shipyard in Mumbai, where Capt. Jagmohan, Chairman and Managing Director of MDL, and Rear Admiral Ravnish Seth, VSM, Chief Staff Officer (Technical) at the Eastern Naval Command, signed the acceptance document (D448). The ceremony was witnessed by senior officials from both the naval and shipbuilding sectors.

Udaygiri, constructed as part of India’s Make in India initiative, signifies a major leap in indigenous warship building. It is included in the ₹60,000 crore P17A project, a series of seven stealth frigates being built by MDL and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE). These vessels are designed to boost the Indian Navy's combat capabilities with advanced sensors, stealth technology, and armaments.

The delivery of Udaygiri has been heralded as a significant step toward India's naval self-sufficiency, though some defense analysts have questioned the choice of armament, specifically the older 76 mm turret. Industry experts note that this decision reflects a strategic balance between cost-efficiency and operational dependability, with the Navy opting for systems that have proven reliability through extensive in-service use.

This delivery comes as India ramps up its naval expansion amidst rising Chinese naval activities in the Indian Ocean. With 64 vessels currently under construction and aspirations for a 200-ship fleet by 2050, India is moving from being a buyer’s navy to a builder’s navy. The Project 17A series is crucial in this shift, demonstrating India's capacity to domestically produce sophisticated combat ships.

The successful handover of the Udaygiri is anticipated to expedite the commissioning of the remaining P17A frigates, enhancing India's maritime capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region and supporting the Navy’s mission to protect national interests in a region with increasing maritime competition.