India is set to take another significant step towards strengthening its maritime defence capabilities with the induction of INS Mahendragiri, the sixth indigenous stealth frigate built under the Indian Navy’s Project 17A programme.
This advanced warship will be launched at the port of Visakhapatnam, which marks an addition of another advanced warship in the growing navy while simultaneously helping the country achieve its goal of becoming self-reliant in manufacturing defence equipment as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat policy.
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As per the details released by the Indian Navy, the warship, which is named ‘Mahendragiri’, has the capacity to enhance operational capabilities owing to its use of advanced stealth technology, automation and indigenous systems.
Why is INS Mahendragiri unique?
The INS Mahendragiri uses advanced sensors and modern combat systems to execute multiple operations related to anti-surface, anti-air and anti-submarine warfare.
It is powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, allowing the vessel to switch between economical cruising and high-speed operations depending on mission requirements.
The frigate belongs to the Project 17A class, an upgraded successor to the Shivalik-class frigates, incorporating significant design improvements and next-generation combat capabilities.
How does it support Aatmanirbhar Bharat?
One of the defining features of INS Mahendragiri is its high indigenous content.
As per the Indian Navy, more than 75 percent of the warship’s parts and equipment have been procured from indigenous firms, many of which belong to the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The initiative helped promote local manufacturing, contributed to the strengthening of India’s defence manufacturing base, created job opportunities and decreased the country’s reliance on imported defence equipment.
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The name of the frigate is inspired by the Mahendragiri mountain peak in Odisha and is in line with India Navy’s practice of naming its ships after mountain ranges, indicating power and fortitude.
With its advanced technologies and indigenous design, INS Mahendragiri is poised to become an essential asset for India’s maritime security across the Indo-Pacific region.
FAQs
What is INS Mahendragiri?
INS Mahendragiri is the sixth indigenous stealth frigate in the Indian Navy’s Project 17A fleet, designed for multi-purpose maritime operations.
Why is INS Mahendragiri important?
The warship is equipped with state-of-the-art stealth technologies, combat systems and more than 75 percent indigenous content.
