The Indian Navy on Saturday commissioned the indigenously built stealth frigate INS Mahendragiri into its Eastern Fleet during a ceremony at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Describing the warship as a symbol of India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing, Rajnath Singh said INS Mahendragiri reflects the country’s progress in indigenous shipbuilding, advanced technology and a rapidly expanding naval industrial ecosystem. He added that the vessel strengthens India’s vision of building a technologically advanced and combat-ready Navy under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
INS Mahendragiri is the sixth stealth frigate developed under Project 17A and has been designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai. The induction marks the completion of six Project 17A warships within just one and a half years.
With over 75% indigenous content, the warship has a displacement of around 6,670 tonnes and can achieve speeds of up to 28 knots. It is equipped with advanced stealth technology, modern sensors, network-centric combat systems, supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, anti-submarine warfare systems and a multi-role helicopter.
The Defence Minister said the frigate can also be armed with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, making it capable of tackling aerial, surface and underwater threats. Its arsenal also includes multifunction radar, indigenous rocket launchers, torpedo launchers, an Integrated Anti-Submarine Defence System, an Electronic Warfare suite and a Close-In Weapon System.
Highlighting changing warfare trends, Rajnath Singh said emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, cyber warfare and space-based systems are transforming modern combat, but conventional military capabilities remain equally important. He said future wars may increasingly use advanced technology, but victory will continue to depend on trained personnel, national determination and strong defence preparedness.
The Defence Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to investing in next-generation technologies while simultaneously strengthening conventional military capabilities. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said it demonstrated the successful integration of traditional and modern defence systems.
Emphasising the importance of maritime security, Rajnath Singh said India’s economic growth, trade, energy security and supply chains are closely linked to safe seas. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to the SAGAR vision—Security and Growth for All in the Region—and praised the Indian Navy for its role in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, anti-piracy operations and evacuation missions.
He also highlighted the Navy’s role during the West Asia conflict under Operation Urja Suraksha, during which 18 merchant ships carrying cargo worth over ₹9,000 crore were safely escorted.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan said INS Mahendragiri represents India’s growing maritime strength and technological self-reliance. He noted that the project has significantly reduced ship construction and delivery timelines while enhancing the Navy’s operational capabilities through indigenous innovation and collaboration with Indian industries and MSMEs.
The commissioning ceremony featured the traditional breaking of the Commissioning Pennant and the first hoisting of the National Flag aboard INS Mahendragiri, attended by senior naval officials, defence industry representatives and invited guests.
