Mahendragiri joined the Indian Navy and strengthened naval combat capabilities

A view of the Sixth Project 17A indigenous advanced stealth frigate “Mahendragiri” delivered to the Indian Navy on 30 April 2026 at MDSL, Mumbai. | Photo credit: PTI

The Indian Navy will commission its sixth indigenous Project 17A stealth frigate, Mahendragiri (F38), on July 11 in Visakhapatnam, marking another major milestone in India’s indigenous warship building programme.

The stealth frigate was designed by the Navy Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai. The advanced multi-role frigate will significantly enhance operational capabilities in the Indo-Pacific while strengthening the country’s AtmanirbharBharat initiative, the Navy said.

Named after the Mahendragiri mountain range in the Eastern Ghats, the warship is the first Indian naval vessel to bear the name. The frigate symbolizes resilience, strength and unwavering determination and is poised to carry a significant legacy in India’s naval history, he added.

Mahendragiri is equipped with advanced stealth capabilities, reduced radar signature, increased survivability and a high degree of automation. Powered by a combined diesel or gas propulsion system (CODOG), the frigate is capable of sustained high-speed operations and long-range deployment across the spectrum of maritime missions.

With more than 75% indigenous content, the warship is a big boost to the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Its construction involved a wide network of Indian industries, including many micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), strengthening the domestic defense manufacturing ecosystem while generating employment.

The stealth frigate carries an advanced suite of indigenous weapons and sensors, including surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missile systems, electronic warfare systems, anti-submarine warfare capabilities and an integrated combat management system. It is designed to conduct anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine operations, in addition to maritime security, humanitarian and disaster relief, search and rescue and sustained presence missions.

India is steadily expanding its role as a preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean region, and Mahendragiri will strengthen the Indian Navy’s ability to protect the nation’s maritime interests while contributing to a secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Bearing the motto “Mighty – Majestic – Matchless”, the mission-ready warship will serve the nation with distinction and further enhance the operational capabilities of the Navy.

Published – 06 Jul 2026 21:10 IST