The Indian Navy is set to commission two new indigenously developed Project-17 Alpha (P-17A) frigates in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, marking a major milestone in strengthening its surface fleet. The INS Himgiri (F34), built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers in Kolkata, and the INS Udaygiri (F35), constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai, will be formally inducted into service. This will be the first time that warships built at two different Indian shipyards will join the fleet together in Visakhapatnam.
Before commissioning, both ships underwent extensive sea trials that tested their hulls, machinery, navigation, communication, firefighting, and damage-control systems to ensure full operational readiness. The project has had significant industrial participation, with contributions from over 200 micro, small, and medium enterprises. According to the government, construction created nearly 4,000 direct jobs and more than 10,000 indirect opportunities across the nation.
Known as the Nilgiri-class, the P-17A frigates are upgraded versions of the Shivalik-class introduced in 2012. Each vessel is 149 meters long with an 18-meter beam, powered by two General Electric LM2500 and two MAN Diesel engines, enabling a top speed of 32 knots and a range of 5,500 nautical miles.
The ships are designed to carry 150 personnel, a maritime helicopter, and two rigid hull inflatable boats. Their armament includes a 16-millimeter naval gun, a 12.7-millimeter remote gun, and a suite of anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine missiles. The first in the series, INS Nilgiri (F33), was commissioned in January, and India plans to complete all seven vessels by 2026.
