Visakhapatnam: India’s maritime combat capabilities received a significant boost on Saturday with the commissioning of INS Mahendragiri, an advanced indigenous stealth-guided missile frigate, into the Indian Navy at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. The warship was commissioned by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marking another milestone in India’s drive towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
INS Mahendragiri is the sixth Project 17A stealth frigate to enter naval service and represents one of the most technologically advanced surface combatants ever built in India. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), the vessel incorporates more than 75% indigenous content by value, showcasing the growing strength of India’s domestic defence industry.
INS Mahendragiri (F38), the 6th indigenous Project 17A stealth frigate, has been commissioned into the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet at Visakhapatnam.
Designed in-house by the Navy and built by MDL, she further strengthens India’s frontline maritime combat capability. pic.twitter.com/L8HLNqizv8— Defence Decode® (@DefenceDecode) July 11, 2026
A New Generation of Stealth Warships
Project 17A frigates are the upgraded successors to the Shivalik-class frigates and feature enhanced stealth characteristics, improved survivability, modern sensors, advanced automation, and next-generation weapon systems.
With a displacement of around 6,670 tonnes, a length of 149 metres, and a top speed of nearly 28 knots, INS Mahendragiri is designed for sustained operations across the Indian Ocean Region and beyond. The ship can effectively undertake anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine, and long-range maritime security missions.
Defence Minister @rajnathsingh commissions Mahendragiri, the sixth Project 17A indigenous stealth frigate, into the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet, marking another milestone in India’s journey towards defence self-reliance and indigenous warship construction.#IndianNavy… pic.twitter.com/PduU9blJXx
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) July 11, 2026
Advanced Weapons and Sensors
The multi-role frigate is equipped with an array of sophisticated combat systems, including:
- Long-range surface-to-air missile systems
- Anti-ship and land-attack missiles
- Advanced torpedoes and anti-submarine warfare systems
- Modern AESA radar and integrated electronic warfare suite
- Indigenous Combat Management System and network-centric warfare capabilities
Its reduced radar signature and advanced stealth design significantly improve survivability during combat operations.
Rajnath Singh: Symbol of India’s Maritime Resolve
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described INS Mahendragiri as a symbol of India’s growing naval strength and indigenous technological capability. He said the induction reflects the country’s commitment to building a modern, self-reliant Navy capable of safeguarding national interests across the Indo-Pacific amid evolving regional security challenges.
Boost to India’s Naval Modernisation
The commissioning of INS Mahendragiri comes as the Indian Navy accelerates its fleet modernisation programme with a strong focus on indigenous warship construction. Project 17A comprises seven advanced stealth frigates being built by MDL and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), several of which have already joined the fleet or are undergoing final trials.
The induction further strengthens India’s objective of expanding its naval force and enhancing operational readiness in the strategically important Indian Ocean Region.
Key Facts: INS Mahendragiri
- Class: Project 17A Stealth Guided Missile Frigate
- Builder: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL)
- Designed by: Indian Navy Warship Design Bureau
- Displacement: About 6,670 tonnes
- Length: 149 metres
- Speed: Approximately 28 knots
- Indigenous Content: Over 75%
- Primary Roles: Anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine and maritime security operations
- Commissioned: July 11, 2026, at Visakhapatnam
