Hyderabad: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned INS Mahendragiri into the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet at Visakhapatnam on Saturday, describing the indigenous stealth frigate as a symbol of India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing and a major boost to the country’s blue-water capability.
Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd with more than 75% indigenous content, the 6,670-tonne warship was inducted as the sixth frigate under Project 17A. The vessel is equipped for air, surface and anti-submarine warfare and can operate BrahMos missiles, advanced air-defence systems, electronic warfare suites and a multi-role helicopter.
Addressing the commissioning ceremony, Rajnath Singh said future conflicts would increasingly involve artificial intelligence and drones. However, he stressed that advanced technologies complement, rather than replace, trained personnel and credible conventional military power. He said the warship would help protect India’s maritime and economic interests across the Indo-Pacific.
INS Mahendragiri commissioned under Project 17A
The Defence Minister described the frigate as a reflection of India’s progress in indigenous shipbuilding, supported by strong design capabilities, manufacturing excellence and the rapid growth of the country’s naval industrial ecosystem. He also called on young entrepreneurs, engineers, researchers, innovators and investors to develop technologies that would strengthen India’s defence preparedness and self-reliance.
Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan said the induction marked another milestone in indigenous warship construction. He added that Project 17A had set new benchmarks in faster construction and delivery through the combined efforts of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, Indian manufacturers, MSMEs, the Warship Overseeing Team, trial agencies and the ship’s crew.
Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, CMD of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd Captain Jagmohan (Retd), senior naval officers, veterans, representatives of the shipbuilding industry and other dignitaries attended the commissioning ceremony.