India launches 2nd Project 17A frigate

Himgiri’, the second of seven Nilgiri-class Project 17A stealth guided missile frigates being built for the Indian Navy, was launched at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) in Kolkata on 14 December 2020.

The newbuild has taken its name and crest of the second frigate of the Leander-class of ships, which incidentally was launched 50 years ago in 1970. 

Under the Project 17A program, a total of seven ships — four at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and three at GRSE — are to be built.

Measuring 149 meters in length, the ships will have a tonnage of 6,670 tonnes. Propelled by two diesel and two gas turbine powerplants in a CODAG configuration, the frigates will be able to achieve speeds in excess of 28 knots.

According to the Indian Navy, P17A ships are the first gas turbine propulsion and largest combat platforms ever built at GRSE.

In late September 2019, the country’s lead Project 17A frigate, INS Nilgiri, was launched at MDL shipyard in Mumbai.

INS Nilgiri is planned to be commissioned in August 2022 and INS Himgiri in August 2023.