Indian Navy Inducts Indigenous Stealth Frigate INS Himgiri with BrahMos

The Indian Navy achieved a major milestone in indigenous defence manufacturing with the induction of INS Himgiri, the third ship of the Nilgiri-class frigates under Project 17A, delivered by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, on July 31, 2025. The warship, showcasing cutting-edge stealth technology and firepower, significantly enhances India’s maritime combat capability under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Reviving a Naval Legacy

The new INS Himgiri (Yard 3022) revives the heritage of the original Leander-class INS Himgiri, which served the Navy for 30 years before being decommissioned on May 6, 2005. This reincarnation is not just symbolic but also reflects India’s strides in indigenous warship design and construction.

Advanced Propulsion and Control Systems

INS Himgiri is powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, featuring,

• Diesel engines and gas turbines
• Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) on each shaft
• Integrated management via the Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS)
• The IPMS works seamlessly with the Integrated Bridge System (IBS) and Combat Management System (CMS), allowing comprehensive control over the ship’s combat and operational functions.

Deadly Arsenal: Weapons and Sensors

The stealth frigate is equipped with a formidable mix of long-range missiles, anti-submarine weapons, and close-in defence systems, including,

• LR SAM surface-to-air missile system
• Eight BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles (vertically launched)
• Lightweight anti-submarine torpedoes
• Indigenous rocket launcher with FCS IAC-MOD
• 127 mm medium-range naval gun
• Two AK-630 rapid-fire guns

Advanced Sensor & Electronic Warfare Suite

• MF-STAR multi-mission radar
• Shakti electronic warfare suite
• Airborne early warning radar
• Surface surveillance radar
• Humsa-NG sonar for anti-submarine warfare

Onboard Technological Systems

INS Himgiri boasts cutting-edge integrated technologies, such as,

• Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS)
• Integrated Bridge System (IBS)
• Combat Management System (CMS)
• Advanced Composite Communication Suite (ACCS)
• Ship’s internal databus for smooth inter-system connectivity

Specifications of INS Himgiri

• Length – 142.5 metres
• Beam -16.9 metres
• Displacement – 6,342 tonnes
• Maximum Speed – 30 knots

Strengthening India’s Naval Power

• The induction of INS Himgiri under Project 17A is part of the Navy’s long-term vision of becoming a 170–175 warship-strong force by 2035.
• Project 17A frigates symbolize a leap in indigenous stealth and combat capabilities.
• The ship’s timely delivery reflects the success of the Integrated Construction approach, ensuring modern warships meet operational deadlines.