**Executive Summary**
The Indian Navy is scheduled to commission its sixth Project 17A indigenous stealth frigate, *Mahendragiri* (F38), on 11 July 2026. Designed and built domestically, the vessel represents a significant milestone in India’s naval indigenization and the *Aatmanirbhar Bharat* initiative. The commissioning ceremony will take place at Visakhapatnam, marking the vessel’s formal entry into active service.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Design and Construction**
* **Indigenous Development:** Designed in-house by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
* **Indigenization:** Over 75 percent of the frigate's content is indigenous, involving a vast network of Indian industries and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
* **Program Context:** *Mahendragiri* is the sixth vessel under the Project 17A programme, aimed at strengthening the Navy’s combat fleet.
**Technical Specifications**
* **Stealth and Automation:** Incorporates advanced stealth features, reduced radar signatures, and a high degree of automation for enhanced survivability.
* **Propulsion:** Powered by a modern Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, facilitating high-speed operations and exceptional endurance.
* **Motto:** The vessel operates under the motto ‘Mighty–Majestic–Matchless’.
**Weaponry and Sensor Suites**
* **Missile Systems:** Equipped with state-of-the-art surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missile systems.
* **Warfare Capabilities:** Features sophisticated electronic warfare capabilities and comprehensive anti-submarine warfare systems.
* **Management:** Integrated with an advanced Combat Management System to coordinate multi-domain operations.
**Operational Roles**
* **Combat Missions:** Capable of undertaking anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine operations.
* **Secondary Missions:** Suited for maritime security, power projection, Search and Rescue (SAR), and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
* **Regional Strategy:** Positioned as a force multiplier to safeguard maritime interests and ensure stability in the Indian Ocean Region and the Indo-Pacific.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Navy**
* **Impact:** Significantly enhances the Navy's combat capability and reinforces its role as a "Preferred Security Partner" in the Indian Ocean Region.
* **Action Required:** Commission the vessel at Visakhapatnam on 11 July 2026 and integrate it into fleet operations.
**Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Warship Design Bureau (WDB)**
* **Impact:** Showcases growing expertise in indigenous warship design and high-tech construction.
* **Action Required:** Ensure the successful handover and commissioning of the frigate according to the established schedule.
**Indian Defense Industry and MSMEs**
* **Impact:** The project generates employment and strengthens the national defense industrial base through large-scale indigenous procurement.
* **Action Required:** Continue supporting the maintenance and supply chain requirements for the Project 17A class frigates.
Key Entities Referenced
Project 17A: The Indian Navy's program for the construction of seven indigenous stealth frigates, of which Mahendragiri is the sixth.
Mahendragiri (F38): The sixth indigenous stealth frigate of Project 17A class, scheduled for commissioning in Visakhapatnam.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat: The national initiative for self-reliance in defense manufacturing, achieved through the frigate’s 75 percent indigenous content.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL): The Mumbai-based shipbuilding company responsible for the construction of the Mahendragiri frigate.
Warship Design Bureau (WDB): The Indian Navy’s in-house organization responsible for the indigenous design of the Project 17A stealth frigates.
Ministry of Defence
INDIAN NAVY SET TO COMMISSION
MAHENDRAGIRI, THE SIXTH PROJECT 17A
INDIGENOUS STEALTH FRIGATE
प्रव तथ: 06 JUL 2026 7:28PM by PIB Delhi
The Indian Navy is set to commission its sixth Project 17A indigenous stealth frigate, Mahendragiri (F38),
at Visakhapatnam on 11 Jul 2026.
Named after the majestic Mahendragiri mountain range in the Eastern Ghats, the frigate embodies
resilience, strength, and unwavering resolve. As the first Indian Naval warship to bear this
name, Mahendragiri is truly sui generis. She is now poised to forge a distinguished legacy and add
another proud chapter to India’s maritime history.
Designed in-house by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and built by Mazagon Dock
Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, Mahendragiri, the sixth Project 17A stealth frigate, exemplifies
India’s growing expertise in indigenous warship design and construction.
Incorporating advanced stealth features, enhanced survivability, reduced radar signature, and a high degree
of automation, the frigate is powered by a modern Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion
system, enabling high-speed operations with exceptional endurance across the full spectrum of maritime
missions.
With over 75 percent indigenous content, Mahendragiri exemplifies the Government of
India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Her construction has brought together a vast network of Indian
industries, including numerous Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), generating employment
while strengthening the nation’s defence industrial base.
The frigate is equipped with an advanced suite of indigenous and state-of-the-art weapons and sensors,
including surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missile systems, sophisticated electronic warfare
capabilities, comprehensive anti-submarine warfare systems, and an integrated Combat Management
System. Capable of undertaking anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine operations, Mahendragiri is
equally suited for maritime security, power projection, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief
(HADR), Search and Rescue (SAR), and sustained presence missions.
The commissioning of Mahendragiri marks another significant milestone in the successful execution of
the Project 17A programme. As successive frigates of the class join the Fleet, they continue to strengthen
the Indian Navy’s combat capability while reinforcing India’s position as a leading indigenous warship-
building nation.
As India continues to strengthen its role as the Preferred Security Partner in the Indian Ocean
Region, Mahendragiri will serve as a formidable force multiplier, safeguarding the nation’s maritime
interests and contributing to a secure, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.As the Indian Navy continues to strengthen its maritime capabilities through indigenous
warships, Mahendragiri, as a mission primed unit, stands ready to serve the nation with distinction, living
up to her motto, ‘Mighty–Majestic–Matchless’.
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VM/SPS 130/26
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