India Launches the “F-35s of the Sea”: Rajnath Singh’s Statement on INS Udaygiri and INS Himagiri Stuns the World
On 26th August 2025, in a landmark event held at Visakhapatnam, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned two cutting-edge stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himagiri, into the Indian Navy. These state-of-the-art warships, built under Project 17A, have already begun reshaping the strategic balance in the Indian Ocean and beyond. But what caught the world’s attention was Rajnath Singh’s bold description—he called these ships the “F-35s of the Sea.”
This single statement sent shockwaves through the global defense community. Why would India compare its warships to the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, one of the most advanced stealth fighter jets in the world? The answer lies in the technological sophistication, stealth features, and unmatched versatility of these frigates. Let’s dive deep into why these ships have been called the ocean’s F-35s, and how their induction is making the world sit up and take notice.
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The Commissioning of INS Udaygiri and INS Himagiri
The commissioning ceremony in Visakhapatnam was not just another naval event. It marked a giant leap for India’s indigenous shipbuilding industry and the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative. Both frigates were constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) under Project 17A, a program designed to produce next-generation stealth guided-missile frigates for the Indian Navy.
INS Udaygiri was built at Mazagon Dock in Mumbai.
INS Himagiri was built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders in Kolkata.
Together, they represent the third and fourth ships of Project 17A, following INS Nilgiri and INS Himgiri (launched earlier).
By commissioning these warships, India has reinforced its status as a maritime power capable of designing, developing, and deploying high-tech naval platforms that can rival the best in the world.
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Why Rajnath Singh Called Them “The F-35s of the Sea”
The F-35 fighter jet is known globally as a game-changer because of its stealth, advanced avionics, versatility, and ability to dominate in multiple combat scenarios. Similarly, the new Indian stealth frigates carry game-changing features for naval warfare.
Here are the reasons behind Rajnath Singh’s powerful comparison:
1. Stealth Capabilities
Just like the F-35 is designed to evade enemy radar, the Project 17A frigates use advanced stealth technology.
Their angular hull design, radar-absorbing materials, and special architecture minimize their radar cross-section (RCS).
This makes them extremely difficult for enemy ships, aircraft, or submarines to detect.
2. Multi-Role Combat Power
The frigates can perform anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare simultaneously.
They are equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Barak-8 long-range surface-to-air missiles, and advanced torpedoes.
This mirrors the F-35’s ability to switch between air-to-air, air-to-ground, and electronic warfare seamlessly.
3. Cutting-Edge Sensors & Avionics
INS Udaygiri and Himagiri are fitted with state-of-the-art AESA radars, sonar suites, and electronic warfare systems.
These systems allow real-time situational awareness and rapid decision-making, much like the F-35’s legendary sensor fusion technology.
4. Network-Centric Warfare
Both ships can be integrated into the Navy’s broader network-centric command and control system.
This gives them the ability to share data with satellites, aircraft, submarines, and land-based command centers—creating a combat ecosystem just like the F-35 does in the air.
5. Symbol of Deterrence
The F-35 is not just a plane—it is a symbol of strategic power projection. Similarly, the new frigates send a powerful message: India has the technology, the will, and the capability to secure its interests in the Indo-Pacific.
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Technical Specifications of INS Udaygiri and INS Himagiri
Displacement: Approx. 6,700 tonnes
Length: Around 149 meters
Speed: Capable of exceeding 28 knots
Range: 5,500 nautical miles
Crew: Over 250 personnel
Weapons:
BrahMos missiles (supersonic cruise missiles with precision strike capability)
Barak-8 air defense system (for long-range surface-to-air engagements)
Advanced torpedoes and rocket launchers for anti-submarine warfare
76mm and 127mm naval guns for surface combat
Aviation Facilities: Capable of operating multi-role helicopters such as MH-60R Seahawk and HAL Dhruv.
These specs make them some of the most advanced warships not just in Asia, but globally.
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Global Reactions: Why the World is Alarmed
Rajnath Singh’s “F-35 of the seas” remark was not just rhetoric—it was a statement of intent. Analysts worldwide immediately took note, as the induction of these frigates impacts multiple stakeholders:
1. China
China has been aggressively expanding its navy, with a focus on the South China Sea and Indian Ocean.
The induction of stealth frigates by India is seen as a direct counterbalance to Beijing’s maritime ambitions.
2. Pakistan
Pakistan Navy, though modernizing with Chinese assistance, lacks comparable stealth frigates.
India’s new assets tilt the balance of power heavily in New Delhi’s favor.
3. United States and Western Allies
Western defense experts praised India’s achievement in indigenous warship construction.
Many compared Project 17A to NATO-class frigates in terms of sophistication.
4. Russia
As a long-time defense partner, Russia acknowledged India’s growing self-reliance in defense technology.
It also opens avenues for joint ventures in naval systems.
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Strategic Importance for India
The commissioning of INS Udaygiri and INS Himagiri comes at a critical time when the Indo-Pacific region is witnessing intense geopolitical competition. With the rise of China, tensions in the South China Sea, and the importance of securing sea lanes of communication (SLOCs), these stealth frigates significantly enhance India’s maritime capabilities.
Indian Ocean Dominance: With these frigates, India strengthens its hold over the Indian Ocean, crucial for trade and energy routes.
Blue-Water Navy Aspirations: They bring India closer to becoming a true blue-water navy, capable of projecting power far beyond its shores.
Deterrence Factor: The stealth and strike capabilities act as a deterrent against adversaries considering naval aggression.
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Rajnath Singh’s Bold Vision
During the commissioning, Rajnath Singh emphasized that India’s Navy must not only defend territorial waters but also secure international sea lanes and contribute to global maritime security. By calling the frigates “F-35s of the Sea,” he highlighted:
India’s confidence in its indigenous defense sector.
The symbolic equivalence of these ships to the world’s most advanced military platforms.
A message to adversaries that India is ready for 21st-century naval warfare.
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Conclusion
The commissioning of INS Udaygiri and INS Himagiri marks a defining moment in India’s naval history. With stealth, versatility, and cutting-edge weaponry, these ships live up to Rajnath Singh’s description as the “F-35s of the Sea.” They are more than just warships—they are symbols of India’s technological progress, strategic ambition, and growing maritime power.
The world is watching closely, and one thing is clear: India’s naval rise can no longer be ignored. As these frigates set sail, they carry with them not only missiles and torpedoes but also India’s aspirations of becoming a global maritime force in the decades to come.
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