Future INS Himgiri, the Indian Navy’s second Project 17A stealth frigate, entered water in a ceremony on December 14.
While the second in its class, Himgiri is the first ship to be launched at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata. It is also the largest combat platform ever built at GRSE.
GRSE is building three Project 17A frigates, while its counterpart Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is building four units. MDL launched its first ship in September 2019.
Himgiri ship has taken the name and crest of the second frigate of the Leander-class of ships, which incidentally was launched 50 years ago in 1970.
P17A ships have been indigenously designed by Directorate of Naval Design (Surface Ship Design Group) – DND(SSG), and are being built at indigenous yards. Their design draws on the Shivalik-class of frigates and incorporates stealth features for a reduced radar cross section.
Also known as the Nilgiri-class, the ships measure close to 150 meters and displace around 6,600 tons. They will launch Barak 8 and BrahMos missiles, supplemented by a 5-inch 62-calibre Mk 45 naval gun, close-in weapons systems and torpedo launchers.
Modular construction is expected to allow the delivery of INS Himgiri by August 2023.
