India's Naval Milestone: Simultaneous Commissioning of Udaygiri and Himagiri

The Indian Navy is poised to make history with the commissioning of two advanced frontline frigates, Udaygiri (F35) and Himagiri (F34), on August 26 in Visakhapatnam. The event marks a significant achievement as it is the first time two major surface combatants built by distinct Indian shipyards are being commissioned simultaneously.

According to the Eastern Naval Command, the Udaygiri frigate is the second ship from the Project 17A stealth frigates built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai. Himagiri, on the other hand, is the first P17A ship constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers in Kolkata. Both frigates represent a generational advancement, displacing about 6,700 tons, a size increase over their predecessors, the Shivalik-class frigates.

Equipped with state-of-the-art propulsion and weapons systems, the Udaygiri and Himagiri have undergone rigorous sea trials that have confirmed their readiness for operational deployment. This milestone highlights India's commitment to achieving self-reliance in naval ship design and construction, further supporting the nation's goal of modernizing its maritime defense capabilities.

(With inputs from agencies.)