The Indian Navy is set to commission the stealth frigate 'Mahendragiri' into service on July 11, 2026, according to a Navy spokesperson. The vessel is designed for multi-role operations, including anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare.
Advanced Capabilities
The frigate, named after a mountain peak in the Eastern Ghats, is equipped with state-of-the-art stealth features to reduce radar cross-section, making it harder to detect. It is part of the Project 17A class of frigates, which are being built indigenously by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai.
Strategic Importance
The commissioning of Mahendragiri will bolster the Navy's operational readiness in the Indian Ocean Region. The ship will be based at Visakhapatnam under the Eastern Naval Command. It will play a key role in safeguarding maritime interests and ensuring security along India's eastern seaboard.
The Navy spokesperson stated that the frigate 'is capable of undertaking anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine operations.' The vessel is armed with advanced weapon systems and sensors, including surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes.
Indigenous Construction
Mahendragiri is the third of four stealth frigates being built under Project 17A. The project emphasizes indigenous design and construction, with over 75% of the equipment sourced from Indian manufacturers. This aligns with the government's 'Make in India' initiative for defense production.
