India’s Maritime Power Grows with the Delivery of BrahMos-Armed Frigate INS Himgiri

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In a major boost to India’s naval capabilities and its push for self-reliance in defense, the Indian Navy has taken delivery of the advanced guided-missile stealth frigate INS Himgiri. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, the warship was handed over on July 31, 2025, and is a key asset in the ongoing Project 17A, which aims to develop a new class of multi-mission frigates. This state-of-the-art vessel, armed with powerful BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, will enhance the Navy’s ability to operate and project power across the Indian Ocean Region.

INS Himgiri is the third ship of the Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) frigates and the first of its class to be constructed by GRSE. The vessel is a significant leap forward in indigenous warship design, stealth, and firepower. Weighing 6,670 tonnes and measuring 149 meters in length, it is powered by a Combined Diesel and Gas (CODAG) propulsion system, which provides impressive speed and endurance. The ship is designed for multi-domain warfare, capable of anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine operations.

A core component of its offensive capability is the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system, which can be used for precision strikes against both land and sea targets. For air defense, INS Himgiri is equipped with the Barak 8 surface-to-air missile system. This combination of advanced weaponry, along with other systems like torpedo tubes and Close-in Weapon Systems (CIWS), makes the frigate a formidable platform.

The successful completion of INS Himgiri is a testament to the “Aatmnirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative, with the vessel boasting an indigenous content of approximately 75%. According to a press release from the Ministry of Defence, the project has involved over 200 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at GRSE and has created significant employment opportunities, both direct and indirect. The delivery of this warship showcases India’s growing industrial and technological prowess, positioning the nation as a capable builder of advanced naval platforms. As the Indian Navy continues its modernization, the induction of INS Himgiri marks a pivotal moment in strengthening the country’s maritime security and strategic autonomy in a complex and evolving geopolitical environment.