INS Mahendragiri to Join Indian Navy by Early 2026
India’s maritime capabilities are set to receive a major boost as the indigenously built INS Mahendragiri, the final vessel under Project 17A, is on track to join the Indian Navy by February 2026. The stealth frigate is currently undergoing outfitting and trials at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) in Mumbai.
INS Mahendragiri: Final Project 17A Frigate
INS Mahendragiri is the seventh and last frigate in the Nilgiri-class series under Project 17A. Named after a prominent mountain peak in the Eastern Ghats, the ship was launched in September 2023. It features cutting-edge stealth characteristics, including a low radar cross-section design, infrared signature suppression, and advanced noise reduction technologies. With a length of 149 meters and a displacement of over 6,600 tonnes, the ship can cruise at speeds exceeding 28 knots.
Advanced Combat Systems and Indigenous Technology
The frigate is equipped with state-of-the-art indigenous systems such as the CMS-17A combat management system, MF-STAR AESA radar, BEL HUMSA-NG sonar, and the Shakti electronic warfare suite. It is also armed with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Barak-8 air defence systems, and torpedoes. The vessel supports rotary operations with a flight deck and hangar to operate helicopters like the HAL Dhruv or Sea King.
In line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, nearly 75% of the components used in INS Mahendragiri are sourced domestically, including from Indian MSMEs, showcasing the Navy’s growing self-reliance and capability to field complex warships using indigenous technology.
Strengthening India’s Blue-Water Navy
The Project 17A series is a major upgrade over the earlier Shivalik-class frigates. Alongside Mahendragiri, other ships such as INS Nilgiri, Udaygiri, Taragiri, and those built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders (GRSE) — Himgiri, Dunagiri, and Vindhyagiri — form the backbone of India’s next-gen surface combatants. Once commissioned, Mahendragiri is expected to operate with the Eastern Fleet and support carrier group missions involving INS Vikrant.
This induction will play a key role in strengthening India’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), enhancing both peacetime deterrence and combat readiness. The Navy sees Project 17A frigates as multipurpose platforms capable of undertaking surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and high-intensity conflict missions in open seas.
With its planned commissioning in early 2026, INS Mahendragiri represents the culmination of India’s most ambitious indigenous frigate program and serves as a launchpad for even more advanced platforms under the upcoming Project 17B initiative.
