Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today commissioned two advanced multi-mission stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, at the Eastern Naval Command. During the ceremony, he congratulated the Indian Navy for launching what he described as an "indigenous F-35 warship," drawing a comparison to America’s renowned F-35 jets, known for their stealth and speed.

Singh highlighted the cutting-edge capabilities of the two new warships, which he said make them "invincible guardians of our seas." He emphasized that these warships, built entirely in India, are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including long-range strike weapons, supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, rocket and torpedo launchers, and sophisticated combat management and fire-control systems.

Both INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri are part of Project 17A, marking a significant leap in naval design and capabilities. While INS Udaygiri was constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, INS Himgiri was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. These ships carry the legacy of their namesakes, which served for over 30 years before being decommissioned.

India's Naval Strength and Future Preparedness

During his speech, Singh also called for embracing new-age technologies to ensure India’s defense forces are equipped to face evolving challenges. He stressed the need for forward-thinking solutions in the face of changing warfare dynamics. Singh pointed out that India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, has prioritized research and development in the defense sector to ensure the country remains ahead of emerging threats.

He reassured that India is fully capable of protecting its maritime borders and can respond swiftly and decisively in any situation. With the commissioning of these warships, the Indian Navy is further solidifying its position as a true Blue Water Navy, able to operate across vast oceanic expanses.