INS Mahendragiri (F38) is the sixth and final Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) stealth guided-missile frigate built for the Indian Navy. Commissioned on July 11, 2026, at Visakhapatnam by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the warship represents a major milestone in India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, the vessel features over 75% indigenous content, advanced stealth technology, BrahMos and Barak-8 missile systems, modern sensors, and multi-role combat capabilities for air, surface, and underwater warfare.
INS Mahendragiri Commissioned at Visakhapatnam: India’s Indigenous Stealth Frigate Joins Eastern Fleet
The Indian Navy achieved another historic milestone as INS Mahendragiri (F38) was officially commissioned into the Eastern Fleet at Visakhapatnam on July 11, 2026. The commissioning ceremony was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marking the induction of the sixth and final Project 17A Nilgiri-class guided-missile stealth frigate.
The induction of INS Mahendragiri further strengthens India’s maritime security and showcases the country’s growing capability in indigenous warship construction under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
INS Mahendragiri: A New Chapter for the Indian Navy
INS Mahendragiri is the final warship built under the prestigious Project 17A program. It has been designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) using advanced modular shipbuilding technology.
The vessel contains more than 75% indigenous content, highlighting India’s progress in domestic defence manufacturing. More than 200 Indian MSMEs contributed to the development of the warship.
Named after the Mahendragiri mountain peak in the Eastern Ghats of Odisha, the frigate carries the official motto:
“Mighty – Majestic – Matchless.”
INS Mahendragiri Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) |
| Type | Guided-Missile Stealth Frigate |
| Pennant Number | F38 |
| Length | 149 metres |
| Displacement | Around 6,670 tonnes |
| Propulsion | Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) |
| Maximum Speed | Over 28 knots |
| Crew | Around 225–226 personnel |
Advanced Weapons and Combat Systems
INS Mahendragiri has been designed as a multi-role combat platform capable of handling threats across air, surface, and underwater domains.
BrahMos Missile System
The frigate is equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, providing long-range precision strike capability against enemy surface targets.
Barak-8 Air Defence System
Its Barak-8 long-range surface-to-air missile system protects the ship against aircraft, helicopters, drones, and incoming missiles.
Naval Gun and Close-In Defence
The warship features:
- 76 mm Super Rapid Naval Gun
- Modern Close-In Weapon System (CIWS)
- Advanced electronic warfare systems
Anti-Submarine Warfare
INS Mahendragiri is equipped with:
- Advanced sonar suites
- Lightweight torpedo launchers
- Indigenous anti-submarine rocket launchers
These systems enable the ship to detect and neutralize underwater threats effectively.
Modern Radar and Sensors
The frigate uses the advanced MF-STAR AESA multifunction radar, providing superior target detection, tracking, and engagement capabilities.
Combined with sophisticated electronic warfare equipment and integrated combat management systems, INS Mahendragiri delivers exceptional battlefield awareness.
Helicopter Operations
INS Mahendragiri features a modern flight deck and hangar capable of operating frontline naval helicopters, including:
- HAL Dhruv
- Sea King helicopters
These helicopters significantly enhance anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, and search-and-rescue operations.
Boost to India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat Mission
The commissioning of INS Mahendragiri reflects India’s rapid progress in indigenous defence manufacturing.
Key highlights include:
- Over 75% indigenous content
- Designed entirely by the Indian Navy
- Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
- Contributions from over 200 Indian MSMEs
- Advanced stealth technology
- World-class missile and radar systems
The warship significantly strengthens the operational capability of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet based at Visakhapatnam, one of India’s most strategic naval commands.
Why INS Mahendragiri is Important
The induction of INS Mahendragiri completes the prestigious Project 17A program and marks another significant achievement for India’s naval modernization efforts.
With advanced stealth features, cutting-edge sensors, powerful missile systems, and indigenous technology, INS Mahendragiri enhances India’s ability to safeguard maritime interests across the Indian Ocean Region.
As geopolitical importance in the Indo-Pacific continues to grow, the new stealth frigate provides the Indian Navy with a highly capable platform for future operations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was INS Mahendragiri commissioned?
INS Mahendragiri was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 11, 2026, at Visakhapatnam.
What is INS Mahendragiri?
It is the sixth and final Project 17A Nilgiri-class guided-missile stealth frigate built for the Indian Navy.
Where was INS Mahendragiri built?
The warship was constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai.
Which fleet does INS Mahendragiri join?
It has joined the Eastern Fleet headquartered at Visakhapatnam.
Which missiles does INS Mahendragiri carry?
The frigate is equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and the Barak-8 long-range surface-to-air missile system.
How much indigenous content does INS Mahendragiri have?
The warship has more than 75% indigenous content, supporting India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.