The Indian Navy will commission the advanced stealth frigates Udaygiri and Himgiri at Naval Base, Visakhapatnam, today. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will preside over the ceremony. This will be the first occasion when two frontline surface combatants, constructed at two different shipyards, will be commissioned simultaneously, underscoring the growing maritime importance of India’s eastern seaboard. The Defence Ministry said, both these vessels incorporate significant improvements in design, stealth, weapon and sensor systems and are capable of executing a full spectrum of maritime missions in Blue Water conditions.

Udaygiri, built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai and Himgiri, constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata, showcase the nation’s growing shipbuilding prowess, as well as the synergy between India’s premier defence shipyards. The Ministry said the commissioning of Udaygiri and Himgiri will augment the Navy’s combat readiness and reaffirm India’s resolve to achieve self-reliance in warship design and construction.