The Indian Navy is set to achieve another significant milestone in its maritime modernisation programme with the commissioning of INS Mahendragiri (F38), the sixth indigenous stealth frigate under the prestigious Project 17A, at Visakhapatnam on Saturday, July 11.
According to the Ministry of Defence, INS Mahendragiri has been designed in-house by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. The state-of-the-art warship has been named after the majestic Mahendragiri mountain range in the Eastern Ghats, symbolising strength, resilience and unwavering resolve.
The commissioning of INS Mahendragiri marks another major achievement in India's drive towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing. With more than 75 per cent indigenous content, the stealth frigate is a shining example of the Government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, reflecting the growing capabilities of India's domestic shipbuilding and defence industries.
The Ministry said the warship has been equipped with advanced technologies and is designed to meet the evolving operational requirements of the Indian Navy. Powered by a modern Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, INS Mahendragiri is capable of achieving high-speed operations while maintaining exceptional endurance. The propulsion system enables the vessel to undertake a wide range of maritime missions, including surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and air defence operations.
Project 17A represents the next generation of indigenous stealth frigates and is an advanced version of the successful Project 17 Shivalik-class warships. These frigates incorporate enhanced stealth features, improved survivability, modern weapons and sensors, and cutting-edge automation systems, significantly boosting the Indian Navy's operational capabilities.
The Defence Ministry described INS Mahendragiri as a warship that embodies resilience, strength and determination, adding that it is poised to create a distinguished legacy in India's maritime history. The vessel is expected to serve as a formidable force multiplier, enhancing the Navy's ability to safeguard the country's maritime interests across the Indian Ocean Region.
The induction of INS Mahendragiri comes at a time when India is placing increasing emphasis on strengthening its naval presence in the Indo-Pacific amid evolving regional security challenges. The warship will play a crucial role in ensuring maritime security, protecting sea lanes of communication and supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations whenever required.
The Ministry further stated that the commissioning of INS Mahendragiri reinforces India's commitment to building a strong, modern and self-reliant Navy. It also underlines the country's growing role as the Preferred Security Partner in the Indian Ocean Region, contributing to a secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
With the addition of INS Mahendragiri to its fleet, the Indian Navy takes another significant step towards enhancing its blue-water capabilities while showcasing the nation's growing expertise in indigenous warship design and construction.
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