Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday commissioned two stealth frigates, INS Himgiri and INS Udaygiri, into the Indian Navy during a ceremony in Visakhapatnam.
The commissioning of these ‘Made in India’ warships marks a significant milestone in maritime security and further strengthens the government’s vision of ‘Atmanirbharta’ in defence.
Both frigates were built with more than 75 per cent indigenous components, sourced from Indian manufacturers and MSMEs.
Singh hailed the induction as a moment of pride and, moreover, as proof of India’s growing capability in defence production.
“This is our firm resolve for self-reliance. INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri are proof of that very resolve,” he said.
Focus on Future-Ready Defence
Singh urged the armed forces to remain ahead of emerging threats by embracing modern technology and weaponry. Furthermore, he said warfare in the 21st century is evolving rapidly, making it essential to anticipate fresh challenges and deliver innovative solutions.
“In today’s era, old thinking will not work. Equipment once restricted to select nations, we are now designing and manufacturing it ourselves. We are strengthening our armed forces under a futuristic vision,” Singh explained.
He also recalled the Navy’s detailed planning during Operation Sindoor and, notably, praised its swift execution and deployment of warships.
Indigenous Warships with Legacy
In addition, Singh congratulated Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers for developing the indigenous frigates. He emphasised that the names INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri carry historical significance.
“Old warships never die, they are resurrected in another avatar,” Singh remarked, recalling the earlier INS Udaygiri (F35) and INS Himgiri (F34), which were commissioned in the 1970s and decommissioned after three decades of service.
Overall, the commissioning of INS Himgiri and INS Udaygiri highlights India’s growing strength in indigenous warship building and reinforces the Navy’s preparedness to face future challenges.
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