India Strengthens Naval Power with Indigenous Stealth Frigate 'Himgiri'
Introduction of 'Himgiri' to the Indian Navy
On Thursday, India enhanced its maritime capabilities by commissioning the indigenous multi-role stealth frigate 'Himgiri' into the Indian Navy. This marks the second stealth warship delivered to the navy this month, significantly boosting the country's blue-water combat capabilities. The rapid modernization of the Indian Navy is not only crucial for national security but also symbolizes India's commitment to self-reliance.
The inclusion of advanced stealth frigates like 'Himgiri', 'Udaygiri', and 'Neelagiri' represents a significant advancement in this direction. Currently, the Indian Navy is equipped with modern vessels armed with advanced weaponry and sensors, including BrahMos supersonic missiles, which now have an extended range of up to 450 kilometers.
Strategic Importance of Naval Expansion
The navy's modernization is not limited to hardware; it reflects India's growing confidence in achieving self-sufficiency, technological advancement, and becoming a global maritime power. In the coming years, this strength will play a pivotal role in securing borders as well as maritime trade routes and global supply chains.
Regarding 'Himgiri', this warship weighs 6,670 tons and was constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. Its predecessor, 'Udaygiri', was delivered to the navy on July 1 by Mazagon Dock in Mumbai. Both vessels are scheduled to be commissioned together by the end of August.
Details of the 'Himgiri' Frigate
'Himgiri' is the third of seven frigates being built under Project-17A, measuring 149 meters in length. Four of these frigates are being constructed at Mazagon Dock in Mumbai, while three are being built at GRSE in Kolkata. The total cost of this project is estimated at ₹45,000 crores. The first frigate, INS Neelagiri, was commissioned in January, with the remaining four expected to be delivered to the navy by the end of 2026.
Advanced Features of the Frigates
These multi-mission frigates are equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, whose strike range has been increased from 290 km to 450 km. For air defense, these frigates are armed with the Israeli-origin Barak-8 surface-to-air missile system, capable of targeting fighter jets, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles from a distance of 70 km.
Significance of the Naval Expansion
According to naval officials, "These frigates symbolize a quantum leap in naval design, stealth technology, strike capability, automation, and survivability, showcasing remarkable self-reliance in warship construction." Currently, the Indian Navy operates 140 warships, with over 58 vessels under construction in Indian shipyards, costing more than ₹1.2 lakh crores. Additionally, 31 more warships are in the planning phase.
This naval expansion is particularly significant given the deepening maritime cooperation between Pakistan and China. China already possesses the world's largest navy with 370 warships and is continuously expanding its strategic footprint in the Indian Ocean region.
Conclusion
The advanced stealth frigates like 'Himgiri' and 'Udaygiri' will not only provide India with a strategic advantage in the Indian Ocean region but also help maintain security balance amid the growing maritime alliance between China and Pakistan. These warships will enhance India's capability to project power in deep waters, ensuring the safety of commercial maritime routes and deterring potential aggression.
In summary, the induction of 'Himgiri' into the navy marks a significant step in elevating India's naval strength. It symbolizes India's self-reliance and further strengthens its strategic position in the Indian Ocean region.