New Delhi: The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Mahendragiri (F38), the sixth stealth frigate under the indigenous Project 17A programme, at Visakhapatnam on July 11. The induction of the advanced warship marks another major milestone in India’s drive towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing and maritime capability enhancement.
Named after the majestic Mahendragiri mountain range in the Eastern Ghats, the frigate symbolizes strength, resilience, and steadfast resolve. As the first Indian naval vessel to carry the name, INS Mahendragiri is expected to establish a distinguished legacy while adding a new chapter to the nation’s maritime heritage.
Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai, the warship reflects India’s growing expertise in indigenous warship design, engineering, and construction.
Built with advanced stealth characteristics, the frigate features reduced radar visibility, enhanced survivability, and a high level of automation. Powered by a modern Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, the vessel is capable of high-speed operations and long-endurance deployments across a wide range of maritime missions.
With more than 75 percent indigenous content, INS Mahendragiri is a significant example of the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Its construction involved extensive participation from Indian industries, including a large number of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), contributing to employment generation and strengthening the country’s defence industrial ecosystem.
The frigate is equipped with a sophisticated array of indigenous weapons and sensors, including surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missile systems, advanced electronic warfare capabilities, anti-submarine warfare systems, and an integrated Combat Management System. These capabilities enable the vessel to undertake anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine operations while also supporting maritime security, power projection, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, search and rescue operations, and sustained maritime presence tasks.
The commissioning of INS Mahendragiri represents another important achievement in the successful implementation of the Project 17A programme. As more warships of this class enter service, they are expected to significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s operational readiness and combat effectiveness while reinforcing India’s status as a leading indigenous warship-building nation.
With India continuing to expand its role as a key security partner in the Indian Ocean Region, INS Mahendragiri is expected to serve as a powerful force multiplier, protecting the country’s maritime interests and contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region.
As a mission-ready frontline combat platform, INS Mahendragiri enters service carrying the motto “Mighty – Majestic – Matchless,” reflecting its capability, stature, and commitment to serving the nation with distinction.
