INS Mahendragiri Joins Indian Navy: Sixth Indigenous Stealth Frigate to Boost India's Maritime Strength
India's naval capabilities received a major boost on Saturday as the Indian Navy commissioned INS Mahendragiri, the sixth stealth frigate built under the prestigious Project 17A programme. The state-of-the-art warship was formally inducted into service at Visakhapatnam in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marking another milestone in India's push towards defence self-reliance.
Constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai and designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau, INS Mahendragiri represents one of the country's most advanced indigenous warships. With more than 75 per cent indigenous content, the vessel reflects the government's vision of strengthening domestic defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative while creating opportunities for hundreds of Indian MSMEs involved in its construction.
Ahead of the commissioning ceremony, the Indian Navy reiterated Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's vision of a self-reliant India, stating that an Atmanirbhar Bharat is a nation that stands confidently on its own while engaging with the world as an equal partner.
Captain Saikat Chatterjee, the ship's Commanding Officer (Designate), described leading the newly commissioned warship as a matter of immense pride. "It's an absolute honour to command an indigenous modern stealth frigate of this stature. And as the commissioning crew, we are conscious of this privilege," he said.
Highlighting the ship's unique identity, Captain Chatterjee noted that INS Mahendragiri begins its journey without any predecessor, giving its crew the responsibility of building its own legacy. "Mahendragiri primo temporis. She has no forerunner in the Navy. The ship, therefore, charts its own legacy with a fresh soul and character," he remarked.
The vessel's motto, "Sthitpragyah, Raneshu, Aprajitah," translates to steadfast in wisdom and invincible in battle. According to the commanding officer, the motto reflects the principles that will guide the crew in every mission. "While we do not stand on an established legacy, we have been privileged to chart our own. We pledge to serve resolutely as founding custodians of this ship. We shall remain ever ready and mission-primed to live up to the standards of excellence in the Indian Navy, reflecting the timeless values of duty, honour and courage," he added.
Named after the Mahendragiri mountain range in the Eastern Ghats, the frigate has been developed to undertake a wide spectrum of naval operations. It is equipped with advanced stealth technology, reduced radar signature, high-end automation systems and improved survivability, making it one of the most sophisticated warships ever built in India.
Powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, INS Mahendragiri is capable of sustained long-range deployments while maintaining high operational speeds. The vessel carries an advanced combat suite that includes BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles, Barak-8 surface-to-air missile systems, anti-submarine warfare capabilities, electronic warfare systems and an integrated combat management system.
The warship is designed to perform multiple operational roles, including anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare. It can also participate in maritime security operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, search and rescue operations and strategic deployments across the Indo-Pacific region.
Following its commissioning, INS Mahendragiri is expected to become part of the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet, further strengthening India's maritime presence in the Indian Ocean Region.
The induction of the frigate follows the commissioning of INS Dunagiri earlier this year, while the seventh and final Project 17A frigate, INS Vindhyagiri, is currently under construction at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers in Kolkata.
The Ministry of Defence said the induction of successive Project 17A warships continues to significantly enhance the Indian Navy's operational capability while showcasing India's growing expertise in indigenous warship design and construction. Officials added that INS Mahendragiri will serve as a powerful force multiplier in safeguarding India's maritime interests and contributing to peace, stability and security across the Indo-Pacific region.
