Indian Navy strengthens Indo-Pacific posture with dual Nilgiri class frigate commissioning.

According to information published by the Indian Ministry of Defence on 31 July 2025, two frontline Nilgiri-class stealth frigates from different shipyards will be commissioned on the same day. On 26 August 2025, INS Himgiri (F34) from GRSE and INS Udaygiri (F35) from Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited will be formally inducted into service at Visakhapatnam. This first-ever simultaneous commissioning of two advanced frigates underlines India’s growing capability to execute parallel high-complexity naval programs, rapidly. The project achieved approximately 75 percent indigenous content and generated significant direct and indirect employment across India.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

INS Himgiri is a stealth frigate equipped with long range missiles, advanced radar, and submarine detection systems, designed to protect fleets and carry out strikes in all naval domains (Picture source : Indian Ministry of Defence)

INS Himgiri displaces approximately 6,670 tons at full load, measures 149 meters in length, with a beam of 17.8 meters and a draught of around 5.2 meters. Her Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system uses two gas turbines and two diesel engines driving controllable pitch propellers, enabling speeds of over 28 knots and an endurance of roughly 5,500 nautical miles at economical cruising speed. The ship’s hull and superstructure are shaped and constructed with stealth techniques to reduce radar, infrared, and acoustic signatures, increasing survivability against modern sensors and precision-guided weapons.

The frigate’s weapons suite integrates a 76 mm Super Rapid Gun Mount for surface and aerial threats, two AK-630 close-in weapon systems for point defense, a 32-cell vertical launch system for Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles, and eight BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for long-range precision strikes against surface and land targets. Anti-submarine warfare capabilities are provided by lightweight torpedo launchers, RBU-6000 rocket launchers, and a flight deck with a hangar capable of hosting a multi-role helicopter for extended-range patrols and submarine tracking.

Advanced sensors include an active electronically scanned array multifunction radar, a hull-mounted sonar, a towed array sonar, and a fully integrated electronic warfare system with decoys and countermeasure launchers. All combat systems are connected via a next-generation Combat Management System, allowing rapid detection, classification, and engagement of multiple threats simultaneously.

Operationally, INS Himgiri is designed as a flexible multi-mission platform capable of protecting carrier strike groups, amphibious task forces, or operating independently in contested waters. She can perform area air defense, precision land-attack missions, anti-submarine patrols, and maritime security operations. The ship’s network-centric warfare capabilities allow her to share real-time targeting and surveillance data with other warships, aircraft, and shore-based command centers, enabling coordinated strikes and defense.

The delivery of INS Himgiri comes during a period of intensifying naval competition in the Indo-Pacific, where the security of critical sea lanes and maritime chokepoints has become increasingly contested. The Indian Navy is responding by accelerating modernization programs that include advanced destroyers, submarines, aircraft carriers, and maritime patrol aircraft. The Nilgiri-class forms a central part of this strategy, ensuring the fleet has modern, stealth-capable surface combatants to deter potential adversaries, protect national interests, and project power far from home waters.

The commissioning of Himgiri and Udaygiri will not only expand the Indian Navy’s frontline combat strength but will also reinforce its ability to maintain persistent presence across the Indian Ocean Region. With their combination of long-range firepower, sophisticated sensors, and multi-domain combat capability, these ships will serve as key assets in safeguarding maritime trade routes, supporting regional security partnerships, and upholding freedom of navigation in strategically sensitive waters.