India will commission two indigenously developed Project-17 Alpha (P-17A) frigates in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, marking a milestone in its naval expansion program launched in 2015.
The INS Himgiri (F34), produced by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers in Kolkata, and the INS Udaygiri (F35), built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai, will be the second and third vessels in the series.
This will be the first instance where ships from two different domestic shipyards are simultaneously integrated into the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam.
The platforms have undergone extensive sea trials, confirming the effectiveness of their propulsion, damage control, navigation, and communications systems. According to officials, the program has engaged more than 200 small and medium businesses and created approximately 14,000 jobs directly and indirectly.
Upgraded Shivalik Lineage
The P-17A, or Nilgiri class, builds upon the design of the earlier P-17 Shivalik-class frigates commissioned in 2012. Each ship measures 149 meters in length with an 18-meter beam, powered by a combination of General Electric and MAN Diesel engines to achieve speeds up to 32 knots and a 5,500-nautical-mile range.
The frigates are designed for multi-role operations, accommodating 150 crew, a maritime helicopter, and two rigid-hull boats. Their armament includes naval guns and missile systems capable of countering aerial, surface, and undersea threats.
The class’s first vessel, INS Nilgiri (F33), entered service in early 2024, with completion of all seven ships targeted by 2026.
