In a landmark achievement for India’s naval defence and indigenous shipbuilding capability, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd on Monday delivered ‘Himgiri’, an advanced guided-missile frigate and the first of three Project 17A warships being built by the Kolkata-based shipyard for the Indian Navy.
The delivery of Himgiri marks GRSE’s 801st vessel — a record in Indian shipbuilding history — and includes 112 warships, the highest number delivered by any Indian shipyard to date.
Himgiri Features
Part of the Rs 21,833.36 crore Project 17A programme, Himgiri is one of the most technologically advanced warships built by GRSE in its 65-year history as a Defence Public Sector Undertaking.
Measuring 149 metres in length and displacing 6,670 tonnes, the frigate is equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry and sensors, including the supersonic BrahMos cruise missile for anti-ship and land attack roles, the Barak 8 surface-to-air missile system, and a modern AESA radar.
It supports anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine operations, ensuring a significant upgrade to the Navy’s multi-dimensional combat capabilities.
Powered by a Combined Diesel and Gas (CODAG) propulsion system, the ship also features high indigenous content and fully integrated combat management systems, underlining the objectives of the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. A substantial part of the frigate’s build value has engaged MSMEs, start-ups, and local OEMs, bolstering India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem and generating employment.
Rear Admiral Ravnish Seth, Chief Staff Officer (Technical), Eastern Naval Command, formally accepted Himgiri on behalf of the Indian Navy.
Launched on December 14, 2020, Himgiri is designed to accommodate 225 personnel and includes full aviation support for helicopter operations. The platform reflects significant advances in survivability, stealth, and operational efficiency.
Currently, GRSE is constructing 15 warships across four classes for the Navy. These include Androth, the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASWSWC), and Ikshak, the third Survey Vessel (Large), both of which have completed sea trials and are slated for imminent delivery. The remaining ships are in various stages of construction, reaffirming GRSE’s growing capability and delivery record.
The shipbuilder has also emerged as the lowest bidder for the Indian Navy’s Next Generation Corvette (NGC) programme and is expected to sign a contract to build five of these high-tech warships soon.