Indian Navy Receives Second Project 17A Frigate, 'Udaygiri'

New Delhi, Jul 1 (PTI) The Indian Navy has proudly taken delivery of 'Udaygiri', the second ship under Project 17A stealth frigate, designed with cutting-edge weapons and sensors, from Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).

These advanced multi-mission frigates are adept at navigating "Blue Water" environments, countering both conventional and unconventional threats to India's maritime interests, as stated by the defence ministry.

The Project 17A vessels have a hull that is 4.54% larger than that of the Project 17 class. Featuring sophisticated weapons and enhanced stealth technology, these ships represent a significant upgrade from the previous generation.

The armament includes a supersonic surface-to-surface missile system, a Medium-Range surface-to-air missile system, a 76 mm gun, and rapid-fire close-in weapon systems with 30 mm and 12.7 mm guns, according to a ministry release.

Yard 12652, 'Udaygiri', marks the second of seven P17A frigates being developed in record-breaking time at MDL, Mumbai, and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, being delivered just 37 months post-launch.

The ministry highlighted that the remaining five P17A frigates are at various stages of construction and are slated for completion by 2026. These frigates showcase enhanced stealth capabilities and unprecedented armament, firmly positioning them as a leap forward in the Indian Navy's ship design prowess, crafted by the Warship Design Bureau.

On X, the Navy spotlighted 'Udaygiri' as the 100th ship from the Warship Design Bureau, marking a milestone in its shipbuilding journey.

Built with over 75% indigenous components, the frigate will strengthen the Navy's preparedness and maritime defense within the Indian Ocean Region, the ministry said. This modern 'Udaygiri' revives the legacy of the original INS Udaygiri, which served India for 31 years before its decommissioning in 2007.

Demonstrating India's shipbuilding capabilities and robust industrial ecosystem, which thrives with the partnership of over 200 MSMEs, the delivery of 'Udaygiri' underscores a significant national achievement.

The weaponry on board is primarily derived from local original equipment manufacturers, reinforcing the country's focus on indigenization in defense. The new ships employ comprehensive 'Integrated Construction' methods, streamlining the build process by extensive pre-assembly during the block stage.

They feature a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, pairing diesel engines with gas turbines to drive a controllable pitch propeller on each shaft, accompanied by a sophisticated integrated platform management system.

The project's shipbuilding requirements have directly provided jobs for roughly 4,000 individuals, with another 10,000 benefiting through indirect roles and ancillary ventures. This endeavor promotes self-reliance, economic growth, job creation, and the development of MSMEs, creating extensive positive ripples across the nation.

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