INS Mahendragiri: Everything you need to know about the Indian Navy’s new indigenous warship

INS Mahendragiri features advanced stealth capabilities, enhanced survivability, reduced radar signature and a high degree of automation. Photo: PIB

The Indian Navy is commissioning INS Mahendragiri, the sixth indigenous stealth frigate under Project 17A, into its Eastern Fleet in Visakhapatnam on July 11, 2026. The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and marked another milestone in India’s quest for defense self-reliance and defense building.

You are heading to Visakhapatnam to witness a proud moment for our nation and others @indiannavyfor the commissioning ceremony of the 6th Project 17A stealth frigate, Mahendragiri, on 11 July 2026

This indigenously designed and engineered state-of-the-art warship is a testament to our… pic.twitter.com/taNCMF7pUX

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 10, 2026

A new addition to the Project 17A fleet

INS Mahendragiri is the sixth ship of the Nilgiri-class frigates to be built under Project 17A and the fourth of the class to be constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). The warship represents a significant achievement in India’s efforts to develop indigenous capabilities in warship design and construction. Mahendragiri is the sixth Project 17A frigate to be delivered to the Indian Navy within 17 months of the delivery of the first vessel of the class, INS Nilgiri, on 20 December 2024.

Project 17A frigates are versatile, multi-mission platforms developed to meet current and emerging maritime challenges. The class incorporates advances in naval design, stealth technology, firepower, automation and survivability, and is considered a key example of the country’s drive for self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing.

Project 17A frigates, designed by the Warship Design Bureau and supervised by the Warship Supervisory Team in Bombay, represent a major advance in indigenous shipbuilding. Developed using an integrated design approach, Mahendragiri was completed and delivered on schedule.

Why the name ‘Mahendragiri’

The frigate is named after the Mahendragiri mountain range in the Eastern Ghats, which symbolizes strength, resilience and determination, a press release said. It is the first Indian naval warship to bear this name. The vessel reflects the growing capabilities of India’s shipbuilding industry and adds another chapter to the country’s maritime heritage. The ship is fully prepared to join the fleet as a mission-ready combat platform.

Advanced defensive capabilities

Mahendragiri features advanced stealth features, improved survivability, reduced radar signature and a high degree of automation. It is powered by a combined diesel or gas propulsion system (CODOG) that enables high-speed operations and long endurance in a wide range of maritime missions. With more than 75% indigenous content, the construction of the ship involved a wide network of Indian industries, including many micro, small and medium enterprises, generating employment and strengthening the domestic defense industrial base.

The frigate is equipped with a range of advanced indigenous and modern weapons and sensor systems, including surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, electronic warfare systems, anti-submarine warfare capabilities and an integrated combat management system. It can conduct anti-aircraft, anti-surface and anti-submarine operations and is also capable of maritime security missions, energy projection, humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations, search and rescue missions and sustained deployment at sea.

“Mighty, Majestic, Unrivaled”

The commissioning of Mahendragiri further enhances the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy and underscores India’s growing position as a leading indigenous warship nation. As the country continues to expand its role as the preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean region, the frigate is expected to serve as a force multiplier, protect India’s maritime interests and contribute to security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

As the Indian Navy strengthens its maritime capabilities through indigenous platforms, INS Mahendragiri, guided by its motto of ‘Mighty, Majestic, Matchless’, is ready to serve the nation with distinction and add another chapter to the history of the Navy.

Published – 11 Jul 2026 10:48 IST