Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the INS Mahendragiri into the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet in Visakhapatnam on Saturday [1].
The induction of the vessel marks the completion of the Project 17A class of stealth frigates. This milestone strengthens India's maritime capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region and advances the national goal of defence self-reliance [2].
The INS Mahendragiri (F38) is the sixth and final ship of its class [3]. Built with a focus on indigenous technology, the frigate features more than 75 percent indigenous content [4]. The vessel is designed with stealth characteristics to reduce its radar signature, making it more difficult for enemy sensors to detect.
The commissioning ceremony took place at the naval dockyard in Visakhapatnam, where Singh was joined by senior naval officials and other dignitaries [5]. The ship will operate as part of the Eastern Fleet, providing enhanced surveillance and combat capabilities to protect Indian territorial waters.
Project 17A frigates are designed for multi-role operations, including anti-submarine warfare, and surface-to-air defense. By utilizing domestic shipbuilding and components, the project reduces dependence on foreign military imports and supports the local defense industrial base [2].
Officials said the addition of the INS Mahendragiri ensures the navy has a modernized fleet capable of addressing evolving security challenges in the region [6].
“The INS Mahendragiri (F38) is the sixth and final ship of its class”
The completion of the Project 17A series signifies a shift toward 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) in naval procurement. By achieving over 75 percent indigenous content, India reduces its strategic vulnerability to foreign supply chain disruptions while enhancing its power projection in the contested waters of the Indo-Pacific.
