INS Mahendragiri Joins Indian Navy Fleet
The Indian Navy commissioned INS Mahendragiri, its sixth Project 17A stealth frigate, at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the ceremony as the indigenously designed warship joined the Eastern Fleet.
INS Mahendragiri Commissioned in Visakhapatnam
INS Mahendragiri was designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai.
The frigate was delivered to the Navy on April 30, 2026, before completing the required trials and preparations for operational induction.
Named after the Mahendragiri mountain range in the Eastern Ghats, it is the first Indian naval warship to carry the name. The vessel will operate under the Eastern Naval Command.
Project 17A Stealth Frigate Capabilities
Mahendragiri is equipped with surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, modern radar systems, anti-submarine weapons and an advanced sensor suite.
Its improved stealth design reduces radar, acoustic and infrared signatures, increasing survivability during combat operations.
The ship can undertake anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare missions. It can also support maritime surveillance, humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief operations.
Rajnath Singh Highlights Naval Self-Reliance
Rajnath Singh said the commissioning reflected India’s growing ability to design and construct advanced warships domestically.
Project 17A comprises seven Nilgiri-class frigates built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers.
The programme has involved Indian shipyards, public-sector companies and private manufacturers, strengthening the domestic naval supply chain.
INS Mahendragiri’s induction is expected to enhance the Navy’s operational presence in the Indian Ocean Region while supporting India’s long-term objective of developing a larger, technologically advanced and increasingly self-reliant fleet.
