INS Udaygiri

INS Udaygiri : Recently, in a major boost to India’s maritime strength and indigenous defence manufacturing, the Indian Navy received INS Udaygiri, the second stealth frigate built under Project 17A.

• About INS Udaygiri: The second of seven stealth frigates being constructed under Project 17A.

o A modern reincarnation of the erstwhile INS Udaygiri, a steam-powered ship that served the nation for 31 years before being decommissioned on 24 August 2007.

o Project 17A is the successor to the Shivalik-class (Project 17) frigates currently in service, incorporating advanced stealth and combat capabilities.

o These multi-mission stealth frigates are designed to operate in Blue Water environments, equipped to counter both conventional and non-conventional threats in areas critical to India’s maritime interests.

• About Project 17A (Alpha frigates) : Launched by the Indian Navy in 2019. These frigates feature enhanced stealth, advanced weapons and sensors, and modern platform management systems.

o Around 75% of the equipment and systems for Project 17A ships are sourced from indigenous firms, including MSMEs, aligning with the vision of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat.