India Commissions Second Project 17A Stealth Frigate in Record Time

In a major step towards strengthening India’s maritime security and promoting indigenous defence production, INS Udaygiri, the second stealth frigate under Project 17A, was delivered to the Indian Navy on July 1, 2025. Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL) in Mumbai, the warship showcases advanced stealth capabilities, modern weapon systems, and rapid construction timelines. Its induction marks a leap in India’s self-reliant naval engineering and blue-water operational strength.

Why in News?

INS Udaygiri’s induction has made headlines due to Its record delivery time of 37 months, showcasing fast-track indigenous shipbuilding. Being part of the Project 17A initiative, which is the next-generation warship project following the successful Shivalik-class frigates. A strategic milestone in India’s defence indigenisation drive, with over 200 MSMEs contributing to its construction. Its symbolic naming after a decommissioned warship, reviving naval legacy with modern technology.

Key Features of INS Udaygiri

• Project: Part of Project 17A, a class of stealth-guided missile frigates.
• Design & Build: Designed by Warship Design Bureau; built by MDSL, Mumbai.
• Delivery Time: Delivered in record 37 months from its launch.
• Stealth Capabilities: Advanced stealth shaping and sensors to reduce radar signature.

Weapons Suite

• Supersonic surface-to-surface missiles
• Medium-range surface-to-air missiles (MR-SAM)
• 76 mm main gun
• Close-in Weapon Systems (CIWS) — 30 mm and 12.7 mm rapid-fire guns

Indigenous Manufacturing Highlights

• Major weapons and sensors are Indian-made.
• Over 200 MSMEs contributed to design, systems, and construction.
• Supported by a robust domestic defence ecosystem.

Project 17A Overview

• Successor to: Project 17 (Shivalik-class frigates)
• Total Ships: 7 ships under P-17A, being built at MDSL and GRSE (Kolkata).
• Delivery Target: Remaining 5 ships to be delivered by end of 2026.
• Objective: Enhance India’s blue-water naval capabilities (deep ocean operational strength).

Legacy

• Named after the former INS Udaygiri, decommissioned in 2007 after 31 years of service.
• Reflects a balance of modernization and heritage.