India is quietly and confidently building one of the most advanced naval fleets in the world and Project 17A is at the heart of this transformation. This mega defence project is not just about building warships; it’s about self-reliance, indigenous innovation, stealth technology, and maritime strength.
The latest addition to this fleet, INS Udaygiri, was delivered on July 1, 2025, setting a new benchmark for Indian shipbuilding. But what exactly is Project 17A? Let’s explore.
What is Project 17A?
Project 17A (P17A) is an ambitious initiative by the Indian Navy to build seven advanced stealth frigates, as a follow-up to the earlier Project 17 (Shivalik class). The ships are being built by:
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- Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai
- Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata
These frigates are designed for multi-mission, blue-water operations, meaning they can operate in deep-sea environments and handle both conventional and non-conventional threats.
Key Features of Project 17A Ships
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Stealth Design | Significantly reduced radar, infrared, and acoustic signature |
| Hull Design | 4.54% larger than Project 17 ships for better stability and endurance |
| Construction Approach | Uses ‘Integrated Construction’ for faster delivery |
| Propulsion | Equipped with Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) systems |
| Combat System | Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) for automation and control |
| Weapon Suite | Supersonic Surface-to-Surface missiles, Medium-Range SAMs, 76 mm gun, CIWS |
| Sensors | State-of-the-art indigenous radars, sonars, and electronic warfare systems |
These frigates are built for high survivability, agility, and lethality in modern warfare.
INS Udaygiri: A Key Milestone in Project 17A
INS Udaygiri (Yard 12652) is the second stealth frigate under Project 17A, delivered in a record 37 months from its launch — a significant achievement for Indian shipbuilders.
Highlights of INS Udaygiri:
- Built by MDL Mumbai
- Designed with advanced stealth features
- Armed with indigenous missiles, guns, and close-in weapon systems
- Supports blue-water missions and multi-threat operations
Its delivery marks a big step forward in India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) mission and proves the efficiency of the ‘Integrated Construction’ method used in Project 17A.
Indigenous Excellence & Economic Impact
Project 17A is not just a military project — it’s a major industrial and economic booster. Here’s how:
| Impact Area | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Employment | Created 4,000+ direct jobs and 10,000+ indirect jobs |
| Local Industry | Involves 200+ Indian MSMEs in manufacturing components |
| Technology | Boosts homegrown R&D in naval weapons and electronics |
| Export Potential | Positions India as a future exporter of advanced warships |
This project is a symbol of India’s growing capability to design, build, and equip modern combat ships without foreign help.
Advanced Weaponry Onboard
Each Project 17A frigate is equipped with a deadly and versatile weapon suite:
- Supersonic Surface-to-Surface Missiles
- Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) systems
- 76 mm main gun for medium-range defence
- Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) — 30mm and 12.7mm guns
- Indigenous radars and sonar systems
This powerful loadout ensures that these frigates can handle surface, air, and subsurface threats.
What’s Next for Project 17A?
India plans to complete all seven Project 17A frigates by 2026. As of now:
- 2 frigates (including Udaygiri) have been delivered
- 5 more are in advanced stages of construction
- The next vessels are expected to be commissioned every few months
With each new ship, India moves closer to achieving maritime superiority in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Strategic Edge for the Indian Navy
Project 17A supports India’s long-term vision of a modern, powerful, and independent naval force. These stealth frigates enable:
Deep-sea strike capabilities
Coastal and offshore surveillance
Carrier battle group operations
Peacekeeping, evacuation, and humanitarian missions
Rapid deployment in conflict zones
These ships are battle-ready, future-proof, and built to serve the Navy for decades.
India’s Defence Innovations: Beyond Frigates
While Project 17A is a naval triumph, India is also making bold moves in missile and radar technology:
| System | Description |
|---|---|
| K-6 Hypersonic Missile | Next-gen submarine-launched missile, stealth capable |
| Agni-V ICBM | DRDO working on modernized, conventional versions |
| S-500 and S-400 | India exploring advanced Russian air defence technologies |
| Photonic Radar | Under development for enhanced stealth detection and accuracy |
These developments complement Project 17A, giving India a multi-dimensional strategic edge.
Conclusion: Project 17A — Built in India, Built for the Future
Project 17A is not just about building stealth frigates. It’s about:
- Creating world-class military platforms
- Empowering Indian engineers and MSMEs
- Reducing foreign dependence
- Strengthening national defence
From INS Nilgiri to INS Udaygiri, and the five ships to come, Project 17A is a shining example of what India can achieve when vision meets innovation.