New Delhi: The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Mahendragiri (F38) on July 11 at Visakhapatnam, marking another milestone in India’s indigenous warship building programme. The stealth frigate is the sixth vessel of the Nilgiri class under Project 17A and has been designed to undertake a wide range of combat and maritime security missions.
Named after the Mahendragiri mountain range in the Eastern Ghats, the warship is the first naval vessel to bear the name. It was designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai, showcasing India’s growing expertise in advanced naval shipbuilding.
INS Mahendragiri incorporates advanced stealth features, enhanced automation and improved survivability, reducing its radar signature while increasing operational effectiveness. Powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas propulsion system, the frigate is capable of high speed operations and extended deployments across diverse maritime environments.
The warship is equipped with an advanced suite of weapons and sensors, including surface to surface and surface to air missile systems, anti submarine warfare capabilities, sophisticated electronic warfare systems and an integrated combat management system. Designed as a multi role platform, it can carry out anti air, anti surface and anti submarine operations, while also supporting maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, search and rescue operations and long duration deployments in the Indian Ocean region.
With more than 75 per cent indigenous content, INS Mahendragiri reflects the country’s push towards self reliance in defence manufacturing. The project also highlights the contribution of Indian industries, including numerous micro, small and medium enterprises involved in the ship’s construction.
The induction of INS Mahendragiri is expected to further strengthen the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities and reinforce India’s position as a leading indigenous warship building nation. As more Project 17A frigates enter service, they are set to play an increasingly important role in safeguarding the country’s maritime interests and supporting security and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.
