INS Mahendragiri Joins Indian Navy, Strengthening India’s Maritime PowerINS Mahendragiri Joins Indian Navy, Strengthening India’s Maritime Power
Visakhapatnam, July 11 (Forever News): India on Saturday commissioned INS Mahendragiri, the fourth Project 17A Nilgiri-class stealth frigate, into the Indian Navy, marking another significant milestone in the country’s drive towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
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INS Mahendragiri Joins Indian Navy, Strengthening India’s Maritime Power
The warship, built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), was commissioned at a ceremonial event in Visakhapatnam in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, senior naval officials and defence personnel.
Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by MDL in Mumbai, INS Mahendragiri is among the most advanced indigenous stealth frigates developed in the country. The vessel has been built with nearly 75 per cent indigenous content, reflecting India’s growing capability in designing and manufacturing complex frontline warships under the Government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
The 149-metre-long frigate has a displacement of around 6,400 tonnes and is powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system comprising two gas turbines and two diesel engines. The ship is capable of speeds exceeding 28 knots and is equipped with advanced stealth features, modern sensors, sophisticated weapons and automated combat systems.
The induction of INS Mahendragiri is expected to significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s operational capability, surveillance reach and maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.
According to MDL, the ship’s construction marked a substantial improvement in shipbuilding efficiency under the Project 17A programme, with the build period reduced by 21 per cent compared to the first vessel of the class. The ship also completed Sea Trials and Final Machinery Trials within two months of Basin Trials.
MDL said it has delivered five warships and one submarine to the Indian Navy over the past 16 months, underlining its growing production capacity. Key combat systems, including the BrahMos missile system, SRGM, AK-630 gun, Kavach decoy system and other mission-critical equipment, were fully integrated and operational before delivery.
Officials said the successful commissioning of INS Mahendragiri highlights the collaborative efforts of the Indian Navy, MDL, defence public sector enterprises, private industry and MSMEs in strengthening the country’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem.
The addition of INS Mahendragiri further reinforces India’s expanding naval capabilities and its commitment to building a modern, technologically advanced and self-reliant maritime force.
