Project 17A Indigenous Stealth Frigate Udaygiri Delivered To Indian Navy

Yard 12652 (Udaygiri), the second stealth frigate under Project 17A, built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), was delivered to the Indian Navy on 01 July 2025. Project 17A is the advanced successor to the Shivalik-class (Project 17) frigates currently in service. Udaygiri is the second of seven P17A ships under construction at MDL, Mumbai and GRSE, Kolkata. These versatile warships are designed for blue-water operations, equipped to counter both conventional and asymmetric threats to India’s maritime interests. Udaygiri also revives the legacy of the former INS Udaygiri, a steam-powered ship that served the nation for 31 distinguished years until decommissioning in August 2007.

The P17A class boasts enhanced stealth, upgraded weapons, and sensor systems, marking a significant evolution from its predecessors. These platforms reflect a major leap in the Indian Navy’s indigenous design capabilities, conceived by the Warship Design Bureau. Built using the Integrated Construction method, these ships undergo extensive outfitting at the block stage, significantly reducing overall build time. Impressively, Udaygiri was delivered within 37 months from its date of launching—setting a record for its class.

Structurally, the P17A hull is 4.54% larger than that of the P17 class. It features a sleek, stealth-optimized profile and is integrated with next-generation weapons and sensors. Propulsion is provided by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) setup—comprising diesel engines and gas turbines—powering Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) on each shaft. An advanced Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) manages critical systems on board. The warship’s armament includes a supersonic Surface-to-Surface missile system, Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles, a 76mm main gun, and rapid-fire close-in weapon systems of 30mm and 12.7mm calibers.

Aatmanirbharta in shipbuilding and employment generation have been central to Project 17A. Udaygiri is a symbol of India’s growing self-reliance in naval design and construction, supported by a strong industrial base, including over 200 MSMEs. Many of the ship’s major weapons and sensors are sourced from indigenous OEMs, highlighting the strides taken in the Make in India initiative.

The shipbuilding efforts under Project 17A have created direct employment for around 4,000 personnel and indirect opportunities for over 10,000 workers through associated industries. The positive impact extends beyond defense, boosting economic development, nurturing MSMEs, and fostering a resilient ecosystem for ancillary industries.

The remaining five frigates of the P17A class are under different stages of construction at MDL and GRSE, with progressive deliveries scheduled through end-2026. The delivery of Udaygiri marks another milestone in India’s journey towards maritime self-sufficiency and advanced naval capability.