Sea Sentinels of India

India is marching ahead in terms of marine security and equipping its navy with more teeth to secure the Indian frontiers. India is witnessing a great leap in terms of capacity building in sea defense. As a testimony to India’s growing shipbuilding prowess and its march towards self-reliance, two multi-mission stealth frigates of Project 17A – INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri – were commissioned into the Indian Navy in the presence of Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh at the Naval Base, Visakhapatnam on Tuesday. It was for the first time that two frontline surface combatants indigenously constructed by two different shipyards – Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai [INS Udaygiri] and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata [INS Himgiri] – were commissioned simultaneously. While dedicating INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri to the nation, the Raksha Mantri said, “These warships will not only strengthen the security system and safeguard maritime interests, but will also assist in Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief missions. He stated that the commissioning bolsters India’s policy of Neighborhood First and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security & Growth for All in the Region). These frigates, which will enhance the capability of the Indian Navy, send a message that India is fully capable of protecting its maritime borders and is ready to respond immediately to any situation.” INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri follow INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of the successor class to Project 17 (Shivalik class). They incorporate improved stealth features, reduced radar signatures, advanced surveillance radars and electronic warfare suites, supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles and rapid-fire gun systems. Both ships feature Combined Diesel or Gas propulsion plants and a state-of-the-art Integrated Platform Management System, enabling higher speeds and improved fuel efficiency. These are the 100th and 101st warships designed in-house by the Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy, and built in India, reflecting the Navy’s continuous effort to enhance indigenous content and self-reliance. High indigenous content — exceeding 75% — has been achieved through the participation of numerous MSMEs and the procurement of major weapons and sensors from Indian Original Equipment Manufacturers. Terming the commissioning of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri as a giant stride towards the realisation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s dream of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and a proof of the Government’s vision & commitment, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh said, “INS Udaygiri & INS Himgiri are the shining examples of the Government’s firm resolve towards self-reliance, symbols of a transformative movement, and testament to the vision that the nation will touch greater heights & obtain the goal of self-reliance with concerted efforts of all stakeholders.” The multi-mission frigates are crucial operational enablers that will enhance the Navy’s ability to safeguard national interests across the full spectrum of maritime missions. They are equipped with next-generation weapons, sensors and integrated platform management systems and are ready to perform anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, sea-control and humanitarian operations. He underlined that the Indian Navy is a symbol of India’s maritime power as it is safeguarding the country’s interests amidst the Naval activities being witnessed from Arabian Sea to Middle East and Eastern African seaboard. The geo-strategic condition is such that it has the capability to directly impact our economic development. Our energy requirements, oil and natural gas depend to a large extent on the security of this region. Our Navy has emerged as a major pillar of our national economic security. The commissioning of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri not only strengthens the Navy’s combat potential but reinforces its role as a “First Responder” and “Preferred Security Partner” in the Indian Ocean Region. From combating piracy, fighting against smuggling and illegal trafficking, curbing maritime terrorism, or providing relief after a natural disaster, these warships will prove to be a game-changer in complex and risky operations.