On 31 July, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Limited officially delivered the warship Himgiri to the Indian Navy, as announced in an official statement.
GRSE is constructing Himgiri as the first of three advanced frigates under Project 17A, a critical initiative to modernise India’s naval fleet.
GRSE built Himgiri as its 801st vessel, measuring 149 metres in length and weighing around 6,760 tonnes. It stands as the largest and most technologically advanced warship built by the shipyard.
Notably, GRSE has constructed 112 warships — the highest number produced by any Indian shipyard — underscoring its pivotal role in India’s defence manufacturing sector.
Major Investment and Economic Impact
The combined cost for the three Project 17A frigates is over Rs 21,833 crore.
Beyond strengthening India’s maritime defence, the project has significantly contributed to the Indian economy.
The project channels a substantial portion of its value to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), start-ups, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), fostering innovation and supporting local industries.
Rear Admiral Ravnish Seth, Chief Staff Officer (Technical) of the Eastern Naval Command, accepted Himgiri on behalf of the Indian Navy.
GRSE first launched the frigate on 14 December 2020 and outfitted it with sophisticated weapons systems, including BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Barak 8 surface-to-air missiles, enhancing its combat capabilities.
Equipped with the latest Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and advanced sensors, Himgiri can detect and neutralise threats from air, sea, and underwater.
Powered by a combination of diesel engines and gas turbines, the ship is designed for high performance and resilience in battle conditions.
Strategic Importance and Future Prospects
The delivery of Himgiri marks a significant leap in India’s maritime security, enabling greater operational reach and defence preparedness.
It also reflects the government’s commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
With two more Project 17A frigates under construction, GRSE is poised to further strengthen India’s naval fleet and contribute to regional maritime stability.
Moreover, the commissioning of Himgiri is a milestone achievement for Indian naval shipbuilding, combining advanced technology, strategic defence enhancement, and economic growth.
This project highlights India’s growing capabilities in indigenous warship construction and its ambitions to emerge as a leading maritime power.
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