The Indian Navy is set to commission Mahendragiri, the sixth indigenous Project 17A stealth frigate, at Visakhapatnam on July 11, marking another major step in India’s naval modernisation programme. Named after the Mahendragiri mountain range in the Eastern Ghats, the warship represents the country’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing and advanced warship construction. Built with more than 75 per cent indigenous content, Indian Navy Mahendragiri has been designed to strengthen maritime security while enhancing India’s operational presence across the Indo-Pacific region.
Indian Navy Mahendragiri showcases indigenous warship design
According to The Times of India, designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Indian Navy Mahendragiri is part of the ambitious Project 17A programme aimed at delivering next-generation stealth frigates.
The vessel incorporates advanced stealth technology, reduced radar signature, enhanced survivability and a high level of automation. Powered by a combined diesel or gas propulsion system, the frigate is capable of sustained high-speed operations while maintaining exceptional endurance across a wide range of maritime missions.
The Navy said the commissioning reflects India’s expanding expertise in designing and building complex naval platforms within the country.
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Advanced weapons and sensors boost combat capability
According to The Times of India, Indian Navy Mahendragiri carries an extensive suite of modern weapons and sensors designed for multi-dimensional warfare. The frigate is armed with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, giving it the capability to strike enemy ships and land targets at long range.
Its Barak-8 surface-to-air missile system strengthens air defence by intercepting hostile aircraft, drones and incoming missiles. The warship also features advanced torpedoes, anti-submarine rocket launchers and the AK-630 close-in weapon system for close-range defence.
An advanced MF-STAR AESA radar provides long-range surveillance and target tracking, while the ship can operate naval helicopters such as the HAL Dhruv and Sea King to extend its operational reach.
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Project 17A strengthens India’s maritime security
According to The Times of India, the commissioning of Indian Navy Mahendragiri represents another milestone in the successful execution of Project 17A, one of India’s most significant indigenous naval programmes.
According to the Navy, the warship will play a vital role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests while supporting stability and security across the Indian Ocean Region and the wider Indo-Pacific. The project has also strengthened India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem by involving a large network of domestic industries, including numerous MSMEs.
With its motto “Mighty, Majestic, Matchless”, Indian Navy Mahendragiri enters service as a mission-ready platform that reflects India’s commitment to self-reliance, technological advancement and a stronger blue-water navy.
