Indian Navy to Commission Sixth Stealth Frigate ‘Mahendragiri’
The Indian Navy is gearing up to inaugurate its sixth Project 17A indigenous stealth frigate, _Mahendragiri_ (F38), in Visakhapatnam on July 11, 2026. Named after the awe-inspiring Mahendragiri mountain range in the Eastern Ghats, this frigate symbolizes resilience and strength. As the inaugural naval vessel to carry the name _Mahendragiri_, it is poised to carve out a notable legacy, adding another significant chapter to India’s maritime history.
Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, _Mahendragiri_ showcases India’s enhancing capabilities in the realm of indigenous warship design and construction. The frigate is fitted with cutting-edge stealth technologies, improved survivability features, and a minimized radar signature, all complemented by a high degree of automation. Powered by a modern Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, _Mahendragiri_ is built for high-speed operations with remarkable endurance across diverse maritime missions.
With over 75 percent of her components sourced from Indian manufacturers, _Mahendragiri_ exemplifies the Government of India’s _Aatmanirbhar Bharat_ initiative. The frigate’s construction has fostered collaboration among a wide array of Indian industries, particularly involving numerous Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), thus generating employment and enhancing the nation’s defense industrial capability.
This advanced frigate boasts a sophisticated array of homegrown weapons and sensor systems, including surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missile systems, advanced electronic warfare capabilities, and comprehensive anti-submarine warfare technology. _Mahendragiri_ is not only versatile in its combat abilities—ranging from anti-air and anti-surface operations to anti-submarine missions—but is also well-equipped for maritime security, power projection, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and search and rescue missions.
The commissioning of _Mahendragiri_ represents a significant milestone in the ongoing Project 17A program. As additional vessels of this class join the fleet, they will enhance the Indian Navy’s operational capacity while affirming India’s status as a prominent player in indigenous warship manufacturing.
In a climate where India aims to reinforce its role as the Preferred Security Partner in the Indian Ocean Region, _Mahendragiri_ will act as a powerful asset, protecting the nation’s maritime interests and promoting a stable, prosperous Indo-Pacific. With her readiness to embark on missions, _Mahendragiri_ stands prepared to serve India with honor, echoing her motto: _‘Mighty–Majestic–Matchless’._
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