Context :
India has strengthened its naval power with the induction of INS Udaygiri, a Project 17A stealth frigate, and INS Tamal, an Indo-Russian built warship. These reflect India’s growing indigenous defence capabilities and strategic maritime partnerships.
Relevance : GS 3(Internal Security , Defence)
INS Udaygiri – Project 17A Stealth Frigate
- Delivered to Indian Navy in record 37 months from launch.
- Part of Project 17A, a successor to the Shivalik-class (Project 17) frigates.
- Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDSL) in Mumbai.
- Second of seven stealth frigates under construction; all to be delivered by end-2026.
Features:
- Multi-mission ‘blue water’ warship for deep-sea operations.
- Equipped with:
- Supersonic surface-to-surface missiles
- Medium-range surface-to-air missiles
- 76 mm naval gun
- 30 mm + 12.7 mm CIWS (close-in weapon systems)
- Significant upgrade in stealth, sensors, and weapons over P-17 class.
- Designed by Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau – reflects self-reliance in defence production.
- Named after and modern version of erstwhile INS Udaygiri, decommissioned in 2007 after 31 years.
INS Tamal – Indo-Russian Collaboration
- Represents 51st Indo-Russian ship in a 65-year partnership.
- Commissioned with Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh present.
- Fully combat-ready for:
- Air, surface, sub-surface, and electronic warfare.
Features:
- Armed with dual-role BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.
- Highlights India–Russia strategic defence ties and maritime modernisation.
Strategic Significance
- Both ships reinforce India’s ‘blue water navy’ ambition.
- Project 17A and Indo-Russian builds mark Make in India progress in naval shipbuilding.
- Enhances maritime deterrence, combat-readiness, and force projection in the Indian Ocean Region.
