
There is going to be a historic increase in the strength of the Indian Navy. On July 11, the state-of-the-art stealth frigate ‘Mahendragiri’ built with indigenous technology is all set to officially join the Navy’s fleet. This sixth warship built under Project 17A (Shivalik-class) will prove to be a milestone in making the security of India’s maritime borders impenetrable. The warship, named after the iconic mountain range of the Eastern Ghats, is a great example of India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ campaign. Designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by Mumbai-based Mazagon Dak Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), this warship uses more than 75 percent indigenous content, which has given a new boost to the country’s MSME and defense industries. Equipped with modern weapons and stealth technology, the battlecruiser ‘Mahendragiri’ is being considered an invisible hunter of the sea because its advanced stealth features prevent it from being caught by enemy radar. This multifunctional frigate is equipped with surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, modern electronic warfare systems and Integrated Combat Management System. Due to the combined diesel or gas (CODOG) propulsion system, it is capable of carrying out air, surface and anti-submarine missions at high speed. India’s ‘impenetrable shield’ will be built in the Indo-Pacific region. This warship will not only increase the Navy’s firepower manifold in case of war, but will also play an important role in disaster relief, search and rescue operations. Amidst China and other strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, ‘Mahendragiri’ will prove to be an infallible ‘force multiplier’ for the Indian Navy, which will protect the country’s maritime interests.