India's Indigenous Udaygiri Stealth Frigate Joins Naval Fleet

Image Credits: PIB
According to a recent report from PIB,the Indian Navy welcomed its latest addition,Yard 12652 (Udaygiri),on July 1,2025. This vessel is the second of the Project 17A stealth frigates being constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL). Udaygiri follows in the footsteps of the Shivalik class frigates and is one of seven P17A ships currently under progress at MDL in Mumbai and GRSE in Kolkata. These advanced multi-mission frigates are designed to operate effectively in ‘Blue Water’ environments, addressing both conventional and unconventional threats that align with India’s maritime interests. Notably, Udaygiri is a modern iteration of its namesake INS Udaygiri, which served for over three decades before its decommissioning in August 2007.

The P-17A vessels boast improved stealth capabilities along with cutting-edge weaponry and sensor systems—marking a significant advancement from thier predecessors. They reflect a remarkable evolution in India’s naval design expertise spearheaded by the Warship Design Bureau. The construction process employs an ‘integrated Construction’ approach that emphasizes extensive pre-outfitting during block assembly stages to streamline overall build times. Impressively, Udaygiri was delivered just 37 months after it was launched.

In terms of size,these P17A ships have seen an increase in hull dimensions by approximately 4.54% compared to earlier models. They come equipped with elegant propulsion systems known as Combined Diesel or gas (CODOG), which include both diesel engines and gas turbines driving controllable pitch propellers (CPP). The onboard weaponry features supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missile systems, a robust 76 mm gun alongside rapid-fire close-in weapon systems like those firing at both 30 mm and 12.7 mm calibers.

The delivery of Udaygiri not only highlights India’s shipbuilding capabilities but also underscores Aatmanirbharta—self-reliance—in this sector while generating employment opportunities within a thriving industrial ecosystem supported by over 200 MSMEs across the nation.

This shipbuilding initiative has created direct jobs for around 4,000 individuals while indirectly benefiting more than double that number through ancillary roles. The ripple effects include bolstering self-sufficiency within defense manufacturing as well as fostering economic growth among small businesses involved in this ecosystem.

As for future developments, five additional ships from the P-17A Class are currently being constructed at MDL and GRSE facilities; they are expected to be delivered progressively through late 2026.