Aatmanirbhar Push: INS Himgiri Delivered To Indian Navy With 75% Indigenous Content – Key Features Of Nilgiri-Class Frigates

In a major boost to India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, warship INS Himgiri (Yard 3022) was delivered to the Indian Navy on Thursday, July 31. INS Himgiri is the third ship of the Nilgiri Class (Project 17A) and the first of the class built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. Project 17A frigates are versatile multi-mission platforms. They are designed to address current and future challenges in the maritime domain.

For the unversed, Himgiri is a reincarnation of the erstwhile INS Himgiri, a Leander-class frigate that was decommissioned on May 6, 2005, after 30 years of service. “This state-of-the-art frigate reflects a quantum leap in naval design, stealth, firepower, automation and survivability and is an admirable symbol of Aatmanirbharta in warship building,” the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in a press release.

“Designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and overseen by the Warship Overseeing Team (Kolkata), P17A frigates reflect a generational leap in indigenous ship design, stealth, survivability, and combat capability. Driven by the philosophy of ‘Integrated Construction’, the ship is modular and ergonomic and has been built within the timelines envisaged,” it added.

P17A ships are fitted with an advanced weapon and sensor suite compared to the P17 (Shivalik) class. “These ships are configured with Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion plants, comprising a diesel engine and gas turbine that drive a Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) on each shaft, and a state-of-the-art Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS). The weapon suite comprises a supersonic Surface-to-Surface missile system, Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile system, 76 mm gun, and a combination of 30 mm and 12.7 mm rapid-fire Close-In Weapon Systems,” the ministry said.

“Delivery of Himgiri showcases the design, ship construction and engineering prowess of the nation, and reflects the Indian Navy’s unrelenting focus on Aatmanirbharta in both ship design and shipbuilding,” the ministry added.

Also Read: Rudra Brigades And Bhairav Commandos: India’s New Edge Against Two-Front Threat – All You Need To Know

The warship is built with an indigenous content of 75 per cent. The project has involved over 200 MSMEs at GRSE and has enabled the generation of employment for approximately 4,000 personnel directly and more than 10,000 personnel indirectly.

Key Features of Nilgiri Class Frigates

• Class & Type: Project 17A Stealth Guided Missile Frigate

Design & Stealth Features

• Improved stealth characteristics over Project 17 (Shivalik class)
• Reduced Radar Cross Section (RCS), Infrared, Acoustic, and Magnetic signatures
• Composite superstructure for radar signature reduction
• Flush-mounted sensors and weapons to maintain low observability

Dimensions & Displacement

• Displacement: ~6,670 tons
• Length: ~149 meters
• Beam: ~17.8 meters
• Draught: ~5.2 meters

Propulsion

• CODAG Configuration (Combined Diesel and Gas):
  • 2 Diesel Engines
  • 2 Gas Turbines
• Speed: 28+ knots
• Range: 5,500 nautical miles at economical speed

Weapon Systems

• Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM):
  • Vertical Launch System (VLS) for Barak-8 LR-SAM
• Anti-Ship Missiles:
  • BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles
• Main Gun:
  • 76 mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM)
• CIWS:
  • Close-In Weapon Systems (AK-630 or equivalent)
• Torpedo Tubes & Anti-Submarine Rockets:
  • Lightweight torpedoes & RBU-6000 ASW rocket launchers

Sensors & Combat Systems

• Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar
• Bow-mounted sonar and towed array sonar for submarine detection
• Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS)
• Combat Management System (CMS) for network-centric warfare

Aviation Facilities

• Flight deck and hangar to accommodate:
  • 1 Multi-role helicopter (like HAL Dhruv or MH-60R)

Crew & Automation

• Crew Complement: ~150–200 personnel
• High degree of automation in operations and monitoring
• Modular construction leading to reduced build time

Project 17A Significance

• Builds upon the Shivalik-class (Project 17) but incorporates:
  • Improved stealth
  • Better weapons and sensors integration
  • Greater automation
• Boosts India’s blue-water capabilities and maritime presence in the Indo-Pacific