INS Udaygiri and Himgiri: India’s New Naval Giants Leave China Uneasy, Pakistan on Alert

National News:India’s maritime power has received a massive boost with the formal induction of two advanced stealth frigates—INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri—into the Indian Navy. These frontline warships, built under the ambitious Project-17 Alpha (P-17A), showcase India’s capability to design and manufacture world-class naval assets. Their arrival is being viewed as a strategic shift in the balance of power across the Indian Ocean, leaving both China concerned and Pakistan unsettled.

Why the Neighbours Are Worried

China’s growing footprint in the Indian Ocean through bases in Gwadar (Pakistan), Hambantota (Sri Lanka), Chittagong (Bangladesh), and Djibouti (Africa) has raised security challenges for India. The induction of Udaygiri and Himgiri strengthens India’s Eastern Fleet, giving it the ability to monitor and counter Beijing’s moves more effectively.

Pakistan too finds itself in a difficult spot. Its naval fleet already lags behind India’s, and these new stealth frigates—equipped with long-range strike weapons and modern air-defense systems—make India’s edge even sharper.

Special Features of INS Udaygiri

• Builder: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Mumbai
• Length: 149 meters
• Top Speed: 28 knots (approx. 52 km/h)
• Weapons: 48 Barak-8 air defense missiles, 8 BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles
• Highlight: The fastest vessel in the entire P-17A series

Special Features of INS Himgiri

• Builder: Garden Reach Shipbuilders, Kolkata
• Length & Speed: Same as Udaygiri
• Weapons: 32 Barak-8 missiles, 8 BrahMos missiles
• Additional Systems: Marich torpedo decoy system, 76 mm naval gun, 30 mm cannons, 12.7 mm heavy machine guns, and anti-submarine warfare gear

Both frigates are equipped with stealth designs that reduce radar visibility, ensuring greater survivability in combat. Their weapons and sensors allow them to engage threats from the air, sea surface, and beneath the ocean.

Strategic Impact in the Indian Ocean

With their induction, India now has stronger deterrence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Defence experts believe these warships will serve as force multipliers, capable of neutralizing enemy submarines, intercepting aircraft, and launching precision strikes at long distances. For India, which depends on sea lanes for trade and energy supply, these ships act as guardians of maritime security.

China’s assertiveness and Pakistan’s hostility make such assets crucial. The presence of Udaygiri and Himgiri in the Eastern Fleet ensures that India can respond swiftly to any regional conflict or hostile activity.

A Step Towards Self-Reliance

A striking aspect of these warships is their 75% indigenous content, a result of India’s emphasis on ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in defense production. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, while commissioning the frigates, said they reflect India’s growing capacity to design, build, and deploy complex naval platforms without depending heavily on imports. With supersonic BrahMos firepower, advanced Barak-8 missile systems, and cutting-edge stealth technology, INS Udaygiri and Himgiri are not just naval ships—they are a message of strength. For China and Pakistan, their induction is a reminder that India is determined to protect its maritime frontiers and maintain dominance in the Indian Ocean.