Context:

Recently, the Indian Navy formally took delivery of the Project 17A advanced stealth frigate ‘Himgiri’ from Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.

About Himgiri:

• Himgiri is a modern Indian Navy warship, built under Project 17A as part of the Nilgiri-class. It is the third ship in this class and the first to be constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE).
• The ship was designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and its construction was supervised by the Warship Overseeing Team in Kolkata.
• Himgiri continues the legacy of the old INS Himgiri, a Leander-class frigate that served the Navy for 30 years before being decommissioned on May 6, 2025. This new vessel reflects India’s commitment to building indigenous, modern warships while respecting its naval heritage.

Key features:

• Multi-Mission Role: Himgiri is a stealth guided-missile frigate capable of anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare.
• Weapon Systems:
• BrahMos: Supersonic cruise missile for anti-ship and land-attack roles.
• Barak 8: Advanced long-range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM) system.
• Sensors: Equipped with Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for superior tracking and targeting.
• Propulsion: Combined diesel and gas turbine (CODOG) propulsion system for speed and efficiency.
• Crew Comfort: Accommodates up to 225 personnel and supports helicopter operations, enhancing sea-air coordination.
• Indigenous Content: Approx. 75%, demonstrating India’s growing defence industrial base.

 What is Project 17A (Nilgiri Class)?

Project 17A (Nilgiri Class) is an Indian Navy initiative to build a new generation of stealth frigates to replace older warships and tackle modern maritime threats.

Key Details:

• Objective: Develop advanced frigates with stealth features to enhance naval capabilities.
• Total Ships: 7 stealth frigates are being built — 4 by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL) and 3 by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE).
• Design Features:
• Low radar cross-section for stealth
• Enhanced survivability in combat
• Advanced automation and modern combat management systems

Strategic Implications

o    Enhances India’s ability to secure its maritime interests in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) amid increasing geopolitical competition (e.g. China’s naval presence).

o    Supports the Navy’s role in anti-piracy operations, sea-lane security, and maritime domain awareness.

o    With 75% indigenous content, Himgiri reflects India’s increasing capacity to design, build, and maintain advanced warships, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.

o    Equipped with BrahMos and Barak-8 missiles, Himgiri enhances the Navy’s precision strike and air defence capabilities, crucial in a two-front threat scenario (China and Pakistan).

o    The project generated employment for ~14,000 people (direct + indirect), stimulating regional economies.

o    Signals India's intent to become a net security provider in the Indo-Pacific, aligning with its vision for SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

o    Enhances defence diplomacy: India can now offer warship construction or refit services to partners like ASEAN or African nations.

Conclusion:

The delivery of Himgiri underscores India’s steady transformation into a blue-water navy and reflects the country’s commitment to self-reliance, maritime security, and technological advancement in defence production.