New Delhi, 6 July 2026: The Indian Navy will soon receive another state-of-the-art indigenous war ship. Mahendragiri (F-38), the sixth stealth frigate of the Project-17A series, will be formally inducted into the naval convoy at a ceremony in Visakhapatnam on 11 July. Built with indigenous technology, this warship will provide a new boost to the sea power, self-reliant defense production and modern warfare capabilities of the Indian Navy.
Mahendragiri was designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by Mumbai-based Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. This warship is equipped with surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, advanced electronic warfare systems, modern sensors, anti-submarine weapons and integrated combat management system. It has been developed keeping in mind the multilateral warfare needs of the Navy.
Mahendragiri is a frigate which is equipped with stealth technology. Its special structure and design make it significantly less visible to enemy radar than conventional warships. This ability gives him a strategic advantage in war. Its ability to move quietly at sea and deliver lethal strikes when necessary makes it a very effective war ship.
This war ship has been named after the famous Mahendragiri mountain range in the Eastern Ghats, which is a symbol of strength, endurance and unwavering determination. This is the first time in the history of the Indian Navy that a war ship has been named “Mahendragiri”. This will mark the beginning of its unique identity and legacy.
Mahendragiri is equipped with modern combined diesel or gas (CODOG) propulsion system. During normal patrolling, it operates efficiently and effectively, saving fuel, achieving high speed when needed by using the gas turbine. This makes it capable of long range maritime operations and effective operation in diverse conditions.
This frigate is a multi-role war ship which is capable of fighting enemy fighter aircraft, missiles and submarines simultaneously. Its modern combat systems make it a complete maritime combat platform, capable of successfully carrying out diverse missions.
More than 75% indigenous material was used in the construction of Mahendragiri. The country’s leading defense companies, along with hundreds of micro, small and medium enterprises, contributed to its construction. This not only promoted self-reliance in defense production but also created employment opportunities for thousands of people and strengthened the country’s defense production ecosystem.
Mahendragiri will not be limited to combat operations only. It can also be used in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, search and rescue operations, maritime security patrol and international cooperation missions. It will be able to perform various important tasks ranging from helping people stranded at sea to providing relief during natural disasters.
The Indian Ocean region has become a major center for global trade, energy supply and strategic competition. At this time, modern warships like Mahendragiri will provide the Indian Navy with security of sea lanes, effective presence in remote areas and the ability to respond to any challenge. True to its motto, “Mighty, Majestic and Unique”, Mahendragiri will become a powerful symbol of India’s power, security and strategic capability in the Indian Ocean in the years to come.
