Indian Navy Nears Induction of Stealth Frigate Himgiri and Anti-Submarine Corvette Androth After Contactor Sea Trials

Kolkata, India – In a major boost to India's naval modernization efforts, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has successfully completed the Contractor Sea Trials (CSTs) of two key warships—Himgiri (Yard 3022) and Androth (Yard 3035)—on March 3. The milestone is a significant step in the shipyard’s commitment to delivering top-tier warships to the Indian Navy and enhancing the country's maritime defence capabilities.

According to GRSE, Himgiri is an advanced stealth frigate, the first in a series of three warships being built by the shipyard under the Indian Navy’s Project 17A. Meanwhile, Androth is the second of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWCs) currently under construction. Both warships successfully demonstrated their seaworthiness, manoeuvrability, speed, and onboard systems’ performance during the trials.

Himgiri: Strengthening the Indian Navy’s Stealth Capabilities

Himgiri (Yard 3022) belongs to the Nilgiri-class frigates, officially known as Project 17A (P-17A) frigates, which are a series of stealth-guided missile frigates designed by the Warship Design Bureau for the Indian Navy.

The P-17A frigates are an evolution of the Shivalik-class (P-17) frigates, featuring:

• Low Radar Cross-Section (RCS) for reduced detection.
• Reduced Infrared Signature to minimize heat detection.
• Advanced Weapons and Sensors for multi-dimensional warfare.

The seven P-17A frigates are being constructed simultaneously at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) and GRSE, with all seven warships already launched and set to enter service between 2024 and 2027. These stealth warships will play a key role in the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet and form part of the future Carrier Battle Group (CBG) of INS Vikrant.

Androth: Enhancing India’s Anti-Submarine Warfare Capabilities

Androth (Yard 3035) belongs to the ASW Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) class, which is being developed as a replacement for the ageing Abhay-class corvettes. These warships, being built by GRSE and Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), are designed for:

• Subsurface Surveillance in Littoral Waters
• Search-and-Attack Unit (SAU) Missions
• Coordinated ASW Operations with Naval Aircraft

The vessel can also be epmloyed for Air Defense, Minelaying, and Search-and-Rescue (SAR). The ASW-SWC class is a crucial component of India's coastal defence strategy, ensuring enhanced security against submarine threats in shallow waters.

Navy Moves Closer to Induction of Cutting-Edge Warships

With Himgiri and Androth successfully completing CSTs, the Indian Navy moves a step closer to their formal commissioning. In addition, INS Arnala (Yard 3029), the first of the ASW-SWC class, has also recently completed its CST and will soon be delivered.

The success of Project 17A and the ASW-SWC program highlights India’s growing prowess in indigenous warship building under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. With a mix of stealth capabilities, advanced weaponry, and enhanced anti-submarine warfare technologies, these warships will significantly strengthen the Indian Navy’s operational edge. As China and Pakistan continue to expand their naval capabilities, the induction of Himgiri, Androth, and other advanced warships will be a decisive step in maintaining maritime dominance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).