INS Himgiri: A New Wave in India’s Naval Might

Why in the News?

1. The Indian Navy has received INS Himgiri, the third frigate under Project 17A, built by GRSE, Kolkata.
2. Its delivery follows the recent decommissioning of the earlier INS Himgiri, linking naval legacy with modernization.
3. The event marks GRSE’s major step forward in self-reliant warship production, amid growing Indo-Pacific maritime focus.

Key Highlights

1. About Himgiri (Yard 3022)
   1. INS Himgiri is a stealth, multi-role warship equipped with guided missiles.
   2. It has been built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
   3. It is named after and inspired by the earlier INS Himgiri, a Leander-class frigate that served the Navy for 30 years before being decommissioned in May 2025.
      1. It was a medium-sized naval ship used for multiple purposes like patrolling, anti-submarine warfare, and escorting other ships.
   4. Advanced Combat and Engineering Capabilities: Equipped with:
      1. BrahMos missiles: These are very fast missiles (supersonic) that can hit enemy ships or land targets from a long distance.
      2. Barak 8 missiles: These are medium-range air defence missiles that can shoot down enemy aircraft, drones, or missiles before they hit the ship.
      3. CIWS (Close-in Weapon System): A rapid-fire gun system that protects the ship from very close-range threats, like missiles that slip through other defences.
      4. CODOG propulsion: This system uses either diesel engines or gas turbines to move the ship; diesel for normal cruising, gas for high-speed moves.
      5. CPP (Controllable Pitch Propellers): These allow the ship to change speed and direction more easily without changing engine speed.
      6. IPMS (Integrated Platform Management System): A smart control system that helps the crew monitor and manage everything, from engines to power to fire safety, on digital screens.
   5. Stealth and Indigenous Content
      1. 75% of the ship is made in India, involving over 200 small and medium Indian companies (MSMEs).
      2. It has an improved stealth design, meaning it is harder to detect by enemy radar, heat sensors (IR), or sonar (sound-based detection).
      3. Compared to earlier Project 17 (Shivalik-class) ships, it shows a major leap in technology, including better design, survivability, and combat features.
   6. About Project 17A
      1. Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in 2015 to build 7 stealth frigates.
      2. A follow-on to Project 17 (Shivalik class) with improved stealth, survivability, and firepower.
      3. Built using Integrated Construction techniques to reduce build time.
      4. Project Progress and Delivery: 3 ships delivered so far
         1. INS Nilgiri (first)
         2. INS Udaygiri (second)

• INS Himgiri (third)

1. Remaining ships under construction: Dunagiri, Vindhyagiri, Taragiri, and Mahendragiri

Implications

1. Boost to Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
   1. Reflects India’s growing capability to build complex warships domestically, aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat
   2. Involvement of over 200 MSMEs strengthens the defence industrial ecosystem.
2. Strategic Naval Power Projection
   1. Enhances India’s blue-water capabilities, enabling deep-sea dominance and global naval presence.
   2. Makes the Indian Navy better equipped to face maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific region.
3. Strengthening Defence Self-Reliance
   1. India avoided foreign construction despite earlier plans, showing growing trust in local shipyards like Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and GRSE.
   2. Reduces dependence on foreign defence suppliers, especially in critical areas like propulsion and missiles.
4. Advanced Technology Integration
   1. Incorporates stealth design, integrated combat systems, and multi-role capabilities, marking a shift towards network-centric warfare.
   2. Ensures India keeps pace with global naval technological standards.
5. Support for Maritime Diplomacy and Deterrence
   1. A modern navy enhances India’s strategic outreach, especially in the Indo-Pacific.
   2. Acts as a deterrent against regional adversaries and supports peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.

Challenges and Way Forward

Conclusion

The induction of INS Himgiri under Project 17A marks a major achievement in India’s defence manufacturing journey. It combines stealth, firepower, and indigenous design, all crucial for India’s maritime dominance. As India moves toward a 160-ship navy by 2030, success will depend on timely execution, technological innovation, and sustained support to the defence ecosystem. Himgiri is more than a ship, it is a symbol of India’s evolving naval power and strategic autonomy.