Indian Navy Commissions Indigenous Stealth Frigate INS Mahendragiri, Strengthening Maritime Power

The Indian Navy on Saturday commissioned the indigenously built advanced stealth frigate INS Mahendragiri into its Eastern Fleet at a ceremonial event in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presided over the commissioning ceremony, describing the warship as a significant milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing and naval modernisation.

INS Mahendragiri is the sixth and final stealth frigate under the Project 17A programme to join the Indian Navy within just one-and-a-half years. The warship has been designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai. With more than 75 per cent indigenous content, the vessel reflects India’s growing capability in advanced warship design and domestic defence production.

The frigate displaces around 6,670 tonnes and can achieve speeds of up to 28 knots. It is equipped to undertake a wide range of maritime operations, including fleet air defence, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, maritime interdiction, surveillance, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.

INS Mahendragiri features advanced stealth characteristics, modern sensors, network-centric combat systems and a sophisticated weapons suite. The warship can be armed with the BrahMos supersonic surface-to-surface cruise missile and medium-range surface-to-air missile systems capable of engaging aerial threats at long distances. It is also equipped with indigenous rocket launchers, torpedo launchers, an Integrated Anti-Submarine Defence System, an Electronic Warfare suite, a Close-In Weapon System and can operate a multi-role helicopter, making it a formidable frontline combat platform.

Addressing the gathering, Rajnath Singh said the induction of INS Mahendragiri demonstrates India’s expanding shipbuilding capabilities and the rapid growth of its naval industrial ecosystem. He said the warship symbolises the country’s commitment to building a technologically advanced and combat-ready Navy while strengthening the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

He noted that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, cyber warfare, space-based systems, hypersonic weapons and unmanned platforms are transforming the nature of modern warfare. However, he stressed that conventional military capabilities remain the foundation of national defence. According to him, future conflicts may increasingly rely on advanced technologies, but they will continue to depend on well-trained personnel, national resolve and credible military strength.

The Defence Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to investing in next-generation technologies while simultaneously enhancing conventional defence capabilities. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said the operation highlighted the successful integration of traditional military assets with modern technological capabilities to safeguard national security.

Highlighting the strategic importance of maritime security, Singh said India’s economic growth, trade, supply chains and energy security are closely linked to secure seas. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision, he said India continues to play the role of a net security provider and trusted partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

He praised the Indian Navy for its role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, anti-piracy missions and evacuation efforts in conflict zones, stating that its timely operational responses have earned it recognition as a First Responder and Preferred Security Partner in the Indo-Pacific.

Referring to the recent West Asia conflict, Singh said the Navy, under Operation Urja Suraksha, safely escorted 18 merchant vessels carrying cargo valued at over Rs 9,000 crore. He said such operations demonstrate the Navy’s critical role in protecting not only national security but also India’s economic interests. He expressed confidence that INS Mahendragiri would further strengthen India’s maritime presence by enhancing the eastern seaboard’s capabilities, extending the country’s blue-water operational reach and reinforcing its presence across the Indian Ocean Region.

The Defence Minister also highlighted the broader impact of indigenous warship construction, saying it contributes to technological innovation, skilled employment and industrial growth across sectors such as steel, electronics, sensors, propulsion systems, software and precision engineering. He said government initiatives, including Maritime India Vision 2030, the Maritime Development Fund, the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme and the Shipbuilding Development Scheme, are aimed at making India a global hub for shipbuilding and maritime defence innovation.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan described INS Mahendragiri as another major achievement in India’s indigenous warship programme. He said the commissioning significantly enhances the Navy’s operational capabilities and reflects India’s growing technological self-reliance.

The Navy Chief also highlighted improvements achieved during the Project 17A programme. He said the time taken from launch to delivery had been reduced by nearly 50 per cent, from 63 months to 31 months, while the overall construction period had come down by around 20 per cent, from 95 months to 75 months. In addition, all technical evaluations for the ship were completed during a single sea trial instead of the conventional five to seven trials, showcasing improved efficiency through collaboration between the Navy, MDL, Indian industries and MSMEs.

Named after the Mahendragiri mountain range in the Eastern Ghats, INS Mahendragiri carries the motto “Mighty, Majestic, Matchless”. Built with contributions from over 200 Indian industries, including numerous MSMEs, the stealth frigate is expected to significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s combat capability and operational reach after joining the Eastern Fleet, also known as the Sunrise Fleet.