For the first time in Indian naval history, two combatant naval ships were commissioned together. They were manufactured by different shipbuilders on August 26. The ceremony was presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh marking history. Both ships bring enhanced stealth features, improved weapons and Sensors and modern propulsion systems.
INS Udaygiri is manufactured by the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai whereas INS Himgiri is constructed by Garden reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata
INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri are following the legacy of their forebearers. They are inducted into the western and eastern fleet respectively of India. This is a big step towards ensuring National safety. Both stealth guided missile frigates are inducted at Visakhapatnam.
The Made in India frigates
Both the INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri is 75% Made in India. This is a big step in the direction of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Thousands of medium and small industries came together to manufacture and to give these ships their final look. Thus, providing the direct jobs to around 4000 people and indirect job opportunities to around 10,000 people.
The Ministry issued a statement: “The commissioning of Udaygiri and Himgiri shows the Navy’s commitment to self-reliance. This is particularly evident in ship design and construction. Rigorous sea trials have validated the frigates’ hull and machinery. They have also confirmed the readiness of firefighting, damage control, navigation, and communication systems. These systems ensure the frigates are ready for operational deployment.”
Sleek and Stealthy Fighting Machines
These ships have a range of versatile weapons and capabilities. They can play a crucial role in anti-surface warfare. They are also important in anti-air warfare and anti-submarine warfare.
This class of ships is fitted with various weapons and equipment. The key features include Long Range Surface to Air Missiles (LRSAM). Additionally, there are eight vertically launched Surface to Surface Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles. It also includes the Barak 8 Anti-aircraft missile, Light weight Anti-Submarine Torpedo, and Indigenous Rocket Launcher (IRL). Additional armaments are the 127 mm Main Role Gun, two AK-630 rapid fire Guns, and Multi Mission Surveillance Radar. The equipment also boasts Shakti Electronic Warfare Suite, Airborne Early Warning Radar, Surface Surveillance Radar, and Sonar Humsa (NG).
The hull of P-17A is comparatively larger by 4.54% as compared to P-17 shivalik class ships giving it therefore a sleek and stealthy look altogether. These new Stealth frigates can survive efficiently in blue waters. This means the waters far away from the Indian shores. They are effective in dealing with both Conventional and Non-conventional forms of warfare.
The Nilgiri class has been constructed with extensive pre-outfitting at the block stages. This approach reduces overall building periods. They have been made with a philosophy of ‘Integrated construction’. INS Udaygiri is a 100th ship designed by Navy’s inhouse warship design Bureau creating another major milestone.
Also read: Indian Navy to get Two Stealth Frigates in 2025
Both Ships are Electronic Warfare Capable
The ships are configured with Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) main propulsion plants. They are each 149 metres long. Their displacement is approximately 6,670 tonnes. They have a speed of 28 knots and can endure 5500 NM at economical speed and 1000 NM at max speed. They have a complement or crew size of around 225.
The Torchbearers Taking Forward Erstwhile Legacy
“The commissioning of the new Udaygiri and Himgiri honours the legacy of their forebearers. It ushers in a new era of capability,” a senior naval official said. The Name Udaygiri have been given to the ship after the Mountain range in Andhra Pradesh. The erstwhile INS Udaygiri was commissioned in the year 1976 in February.
Over the next three decades, INS Udaygiri, a steam ship, played roles in several crucial operations. These included Op Pawan in 1987 in Sri Lanka. Op Dolphin and Op Cactus took place in 1988. Op Madad was in 1991 and Op Castor occurred in 2005. This is according to the Indian Navy. In 2007, the erstwhile Udaygiri came to rest and was decommissioned.
INS Udaygiri will serve in Eastern command fleet also known as Sunrise fleet. It will be commanded by Captain Vikas sood. Not named after the particular mountain range, Himgiri means snow-clad mountains of Himalayas. The erstwhile INS Himgiri was commissioned in November 1974 and joined the Western Naval Command as the frontline warship.
In 1985, the ship patrolled the Bombay High Oil Field,s safeguarding critical offshore assets. In 1988, she served in Op Cactus. Beyond combat, she played a key role in bringing relief supplies. This happened in the aftermath of the 2001 Gujarat earthquakes as part of Op Sahayata. The ship was decommissioned in May 2005
INS Himgiri will serve under western Naval command. The ship possesses the motto “Adrushyam Ajayam.” This suggests the ship’s nature of being Invisible in battlefield. It also indicates being Invincible in battle.
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