India's naval strength received a major boost as the indigenous stealth frigate INS Mahendragiri was formally commissioned into the Indian Navy at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited under the Project 17A programme, the advanced warship is the sixth stealth frigate to join the Navy and reflects India's growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Designed with cutting-edge stealth technology, INS Mahendragiri is capable of reducing its radar signature, making it significantly harder for adversaries to detect during combat operations. The warship is equipped with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile for precision strikes and advanced surface-to-air missile systems to counter aerial threats. It also has an operational range of nearly 5,500 nautical miles, enabling long-duration deployments across the Indian Ocean Region.
The frigate completed extensive sea trials in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal before entering active service. More than 75 percent of the vessel's components have been sourced domestically, with contributions from over 200 Indian public and private sector companies, highlighting the success of the country's indigenous defence ecosystem.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who emphasized the importance of strengthening maritime security through locally developed military platforms. INS Mahendragiri is part of India's broader naval modernization plan aimed at expanding the fleet with advanced warships and submarines over the coming years.
With multiple next-generation destroyers, submarines, and stealth frigates currently under construction, India continues to enhance its maritime capabilities while reinforcing the government's vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India' in the defence sector.
