Indian Navy Gets Stealth Frigate Udaygiri from MDL

In a momentous achievement for India’s naval defence capabilities, Yard 12652 (Udaygiri), the second stealth frigate under Project 17A, was formally delivered to theIndian Navy on 1 July 2025. Constructed at the prestigious Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, Udaygiri is the second of seven cutting-edge stealth frigates being built under the ambitious Project 17A. These multi-mission warships are designed to enhance India’s strategic reach in blue-water operations, capable of dealing with both conventional and non-conventional maritime threats.

Evolution from Project 17 to Project 17A

Project 17A marks a significant upgrade over the earlier Shivalik-class frigates of Project 17, which remain active in service. The new P17A vessels feature cutting-edge technologies, enhanced stealth characteristics, and improved survivability, representing a considerable boost in overall combat capability. Udaygiri embodies this transformation — a modern successor to the original INS Udaygiri, a steam-powered warship decommissioned in 2007 after 31 years of exemplary service.

Key Technological Highlights

Udaygiri and her sister ships under Project 17A have been meticulously designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau. A hallmark of the design is its emphasis on stealth, survivability, and firepower. The hull is geo-symmetrically larger by 4.54% compared to its predecessor, offering improved hydrodynamic performance and capacity.

Each ship features a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system — a hybrid of diesel engines and gas turbines — driving Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) on dual shafts. This propulsion setup is integrated with an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) for superior automation and ship management.

The ships are equipped with a formidable weapons suite, including:

• Supersonic surface-to-surface missiles
• Medium-range surface-to-air missile systems
• 76 mm naval gun
• 30 mm and 12.7 mm close-in weapon systems (CIWS)

These systems allow the vessel to deliver decisive offensive and defensive capabilities in a dynamic maritime environment.

Building Through Integrated Construction

Udaygiri was built using the advanced Integrated Construction methodology — a process that involves pre-outfitting sections of the ship during early stages, dramatically reducing build time and improving precision. As a result, the frigate was delivered in a record 37 months from its launch date, reflecting the tremendous progress made in indigenous warship construction techniques.

A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta (Self-Reliance)

The construction of Udaygiri highlights India’s strong push towards Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence manufacturing. The ship is equipped with major weapons and sensors supplied by Indian Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), while more than 200 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have played a vital role by providing essential components and services — a clear reflection of the strength and depth of the nation’s indigenous defence ecosystem.

Economic and Employment Impact

The project has had a wide-ranging impact on the Indian economy. It has created direct employment for over 4,000 personnel at shipyards and design facilities, and indirect employment for more than 10,000 workers across allied industries and MSMEs. Additionally, the project has catalyzed skill development, boosted the domestic supply chain, and strengthened the Indian maritime industrial base.

The Road Ahead

Five additional frigates under Project 17A are presently being constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. These warships are slated for phased delivery by the end of 2026, significantly enhancing the Indian Navy’s operational strength and blue-water capabilities.

The delivery of Yard 12652 (Udaygiri) marks not only a triumph of shipbuilding and defence technology but also reflects India’s growing stature as a nation capable of designing and constructing sophisticated warships. It is a proud milestone in the journey toward maritime self-reliance and technological prowess.