Ins udaygiri and Himgiri: The Indian Navy stands at the threshold of gaining an unprecedented strength. The manner in which the BrahMos missiles targeted and destroyed the enemies during the recent Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, the whole world has accepted the iron of India’s military power. Now, furthering this success, the Indian Navy has set a target that will make the country’s maritime security immense. The Navy aims that by 2030 it will have more than 300 BrahMos missiles, which will be able to attack the enemy at the same time. This historical achievement is becoming possible by two new warships- Udayagiri and Himgiri joining the Navy. Both these warships are capable of firing the BrahMos missiles, and their involvement has increased the strength of the Indian Navy.
India’s growing threat in Indian Ocean
With these two new warships, the Indian Navy has now had a total of 14 guided missile stealth frigates. Each of these ships has 8 vertical launch BrahMos anti-ship missile launchers. Talwar class warship, which has been part of the Indian Navy since 2003, has also been equipped with BrahMos and the remaining 2 is underway. In addition, 4 new sword class warships are also being formed under the Indo-Russia Agreement. Of these, Tushil and Tamal have already been included in the Navy, while the remaining 2 will also be ready soon.
Following this expansion, the Indian Navy will have a total of 20 guided missile stealth frigates in the coming time, including 7 eucalyptus classes, 3 Shivalik classes and 10 Talwar class ships. In addition, the Navy has 13 Destroars, each of which is equipped with a new Destroor 16 BrahMos launcher. These Destroors are of 4 Visakhapatnam class, 3 Kolkata class, 3 Delhi class and 3 Rajput class. If all these ships are merged, by 2030 the Indian Navy will be able to faste more than 300 BrahMos missiles at the same time. This figure will worry countries like China and Pakistan.
Eucalyptus Class: Symbol of self -sufficient India
These new warships, especially Eucalyptus class ships, are the biggest example of the success of the self -reliant Bharat Abhiyan, equipped with BrahMos power. Under Project 17A, 7 eucalyptus category guided missiles are being built for the Navy. Of these, 4 are making Majgaon Dock Limited (MDL) and 3 are being made Gardens Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE).
All these 7 ships were launched between 2019 and 2023, and 4 of them are under sea tests. After these ships join the Navy, there will be a tremendous increase in India’s strength in the blue sea. It is a matter of pride that Udayagiri Navy is a hundredth ship designed by Bureau. Udayagiri was handed over to the Navy on 1 July and Himgiri on 31 July, while INS Nilgiri, the first vessel in this category, joined the Navy in January this year.
Himgiri and Udayagiri’s strength
The most special thing about Himgiri and Udayagiri, built under Project 17A, is their BrahMos power. These ships are equipped with BrahMos missiles for anti-surfaces and anti-ship warfare. In addition, they are also equipped with Barak-8 long range to air missiles and cannons for air defense. These warships are also equipped with Varunastra and anti-submarine rocket launcher for an anti-submarine war. Advanced radars and Sonar systems in these warships can detect long distance attacks, track and stop them. These ships are 6,700 tonnes and can run at a speed of 30 natical mph. There is also a hanger to keep two helicopters.
The most important thing is that 75 percent of these 7 warships have been taken from indigenous companies. Their design is also completely indigenous and the steel used in it is also made in India. This shows that India is now moving rapidly towards self -sufficiency in the defense sector. This goal of the Indian Navy will not only increase the defense capacity of the country, but will also prove that India is now moving towards becoming a ‘defense superpower’.
