The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Mahendragiri (F38), an advanced indigenous stealth frigate built under the Project 17A programme, at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam, on July 11. The induction marks another significant milestone in India’s indigenous warship-building programme and further strengthens the Navy’s operational capabilities.
Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, INS Mahendragiri represents the latest generation of multi-role stealth frigates. The warship incorporates advanced stealth features, sophisticated sensors, modern weapon systems and integrated platform management technologies, enabling it to undertake a wide spectrum of maritime operations, including anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare. The vessel has an indigenous content of more than 75%, underscoring India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Named after the Mahendragiri mountain range in the Eastern Ghats, the frigate reflects India’s expanding capability in the design and construction of complex naval platforms. Its commissioning follows extensive sea trials and is expected to enhance the Indian Navy’s ability to safeguard maritime interests, maintain a credible presence across the Indian Ocean Region and respond effectively to evolving security challenges.
Project 17A is the follow-on programme to the Shivalik-class frigates and comprises seven advanced stealth frigates being built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers. The programme features enhanced stealth characteristics, improved survivability, advanced combat systems and greater automation compared with the earlier class of frigates. The induction of INS Mahendragiri reinforces India’s ongoing efforts to modernise its naval fleet while advancing the objectives of indigenous defence production and the broader vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.