Indian Navy Commissions INS Mahendragiri: Advanced Indigenous Stealth Frigate Joins Eastern Fleet
VISAKHAPATNAM, July 11, 2026 — The Indian Navy officially commissioned its latest indigenously built advanced stealth frigate, INS Mahendragiri, into the Eastern Fleet during a ceremony in Visakhapatnam. Presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the induction marks a major milestone in India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing and maritime security.
INS Mahendragiri is the sixth Project 17A indigenous stealth frigate to join the naval fleet within a span of just 1.5 years. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, the warship follows the successful inductions of INS Nilgiri, INS Udaygiri, INS Himgiri, INS Taragiri, and INS Dunagiri. The vessel is fully equipped to handle a comprehensive spectrum of maritime operations, including fleet air defense, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, maritime interdiction, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).
Boasting over 75 percent indigenous content, the 6,670-tonne warship can achieve speeds of up to 28 knots. Its state-of-the-art arsenal features BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, indigenous rocket and torpedo launchers, an Integrated Anti-Submarine Defence System, and an advanced Electronic Warfare suite. The ship’s design incorporates highly advanced stealth features, modern sensors, and network-centric combat systems alongside the capability to carry a multi-role helicopter.
During his address, Rajnath Singh emphasized that while emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, and drones are redefining modern conflict, conventional military capabilities remain the bedrock of national defense. He reiterated the Narendra Modi-led government’s commitment to a balanced approach—investing heavily in next-generation technology while simultaneously strengthening conventional assets. He noted that INS Mahendragiri will significantly expand India’s blue-water reach, safeguarding national and economic interests across the Indian Ocean Region and reinforcing India’s status as a Preferred Security Partner in the Indo-Pacific under the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan highlighted the unprecedented production efficiency achieved during the construction of this vessel. MDL and the Indian Navy managed to reduce the timeframe from launch to delivery by approximately 50 percent—dropping from 63 months to 31 months. Furthermore, total construction time was cut by 20 percent, and all critical technical analyses were successfully finalized in a single sea trial rather than the traditional five to seven protocols.
Named after the prominent mountain range in the Eastern Ghats, INS Mahendragiri was built with the collaborative support of more than 200 domestic industries, including numerous micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The commissioning ceremony concluded with the traditional breaking of the Commissioning Pennant and the maiden hoisting of the National Flag onboard. The event was attended by Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, MDL Chairman and Managing Director Captain Jagmohan (Retd), alongside senior naval officers and industry veterans.