India is continuously increasing its defense capabilities. Meanwhile, the Indian Navy will commission its sixth Project-17A indigenous stealth frigate ‘Mahendragiri’ (F38) in Visakhapatnam on 11 July 2026. This warship is another great example of the growing strength of the Indian Navy and the country’s indigenous defense manufacturing capability. Mostly indigenous materials and technology have been used in it.
According to the information, ‘Mahendragiri’ has been named after the famous Mahendragiri mountain range of the Eastern Ghats. This is the first time that a warship of the Indian Navy has been named Mahendragiri.
Specialty of ‘Mahendragiri’
This frigate has been designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) of the Indian Navy, while it has been constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai. Mahendragiri has been provided with modern stealth technology, low radar signature, better security and state-of-the-art automation systems. Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system has been installed in it, due to which it can carry out maritime operations at high speed over long distances.
use of indigenous materials
The special thing is that more than 75 percent indigenous material and technology has been used in this warship. It has been constructed under the ‘Self-reliant India’ campaign, in which many Indian companies have contributed.
Equipped with modern weapons and sensors
Mahendragiri is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors. It has been installed with surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, modern electronic warfare systems, anti-submarine weapons and advanced combat management system.
Countering air, sea and submarine threats
This frigate is capable of countering enemy air, sea and submarine threats. Apart from this, it will also play an important role in operations like maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), search and rescue and continuous surveillance in the Indian Ocean region.
According to the Indian Navy, the combat capability of the Navy will be further strengthened by joining the fleet of frigates being prepared under Project-17A. Also, India will further strengthen its global identity in the field of indigenous warship construction. The Navy says that Mahendragiri will play an important role in protecting India’s maritime interests in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific region as well as maintaining peace, security and stability in the region.
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