India commissioned INS Mahendragiri, its newest indigenous stealth frigate, into the Eastern Fleet on Saturday at Visakhapatnam Naval Dockyard. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the ceremony, highlighting the warship’s multi-threat response capabilities and potential BrahMos missile integration.
Stealth Frigate Strengthens India’s Naval Capabilities
INS Mahendragiri is the sixth vessel under Project 17A and the fourth Nilgiri-class frigate built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). With over 75% indigenous content, the ship underscores India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The frigate follows INS Nilgiri, delivered in December 2024, as part of a rapid 17-month rollout for the class. It is designed to counter threats from air, sea, and underwater simultaneously.
Defence Minister Emphasizes Strategic Role
Rajnath Singh noted the frigate’s ability to safeguard national interests, calling Andhra Pradesh a growing hub for defense and aerospace production. He congratulated the crew and builders, stating, “Andhra is the land of pride and bravery.”
The ship’s crest, featuring a Goshawk on Mahendragiri mountain, symbolizes sharp vision and decisive action—qualities Singh linked to modern naval operations.
Project 17A and Naval Legacy
Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan confirmed Mahendragiri as the sixth of seven Project 17A warships. The class revives names from the 1972–2013 Nilgiri-class frigates, with Mahendragiri named after Odisha’s Eastern Ghats hills.
- Sixth indigenous stealth frigate under Project 17A
- Fourth Nilgiri-class vessel built by MDL
- Over 75% indigenous content
- Capable of BrahMos missile integration
