INS Udaygiri joins Indian Navy fleet

Why in news?

• Indian Navy officially inducted INS Udaygiri into its fleet.
• It is the second stealth frigate built under Project 17A (P-17A), built in a record 37 months.
• It has been built by Mumbai-based Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL).

INS Udaygiri

• Project 17A: This project represents the next generation of India's Nilgiri class stealth frigates. A total of 7 ships are being built under this, of which INS Udaygiri is the second frigate.
• Design: Its design has been prepared by the Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy.
  • This design is equipped with stealth technology, which is equipped with capabilities like radar avoidance, minimizing thermal signature, and noiseless operation.
• Multi-role capability: The warship is capable of countering threats from surface, air and submarine.
  • It is designed to meet the requirement of a blue-water navy, i.e. it has the ability to participate in independent and long-term operations in deep seas.

Armament and combat capabilities

INS Udaygiri is equipped with state-of-the-art weapon systems and combat technologies, making it a multi-role warship. These include:

• Supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, such as BrahMos, which can target enemy ships with high speed and precision.
• Medium-range surface-to-air missile system (MR-SAM), which is capable of intercepting aerial threats — such as enemy fighter aircraft or missiles.
• 76 mm main naval gun, which can deliver quick and lethal strikes against surface and aerial targets.
• 30 mm Close-in Weapon System (CIWS), which provides automatic response to protect against very close attacks, such as low-flying missiles or high-speed aircraft.
• In addition, the ship is equipped with advanced sensors, sonar, radar and electronic warfare systems, which enhance the ability to detect and respond to enemy activities in advance.

Significance of naming

• The name 'Udayagiri' is inspired by the Udayagiri range in Andhra Pradesh.
• This name was also previously given to an Indian Navy warship, which is now out of service.
• This name combines India's cultural heritage and naval traditions.

Strategic importance

• The induction of INS Udayagiri into the Navy has increased India's strategic presence and naval power in the Indian Ocean region.
• It moves India towards creating a blue-water navy that can conduct operations independently in any ocean.
• It helps in balancing the naval power of India as compared to China and other maritime powers.