Visakhapatnam12 hours ago
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday commissioned INS Mahendragiri into the Indian Navy at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The warship is the sixth stealth frigate under Project 17A’s Nilgiri-class programme and has been built using more than 75% indigenous equipment and technology.
INS Mahendragiri is equipped with advanced indigenous weapons, sensors and electronic warfare systems. It is capable of simultaneously countering aerial threats, enemy warships and submarines. The frigate will enhance India’s maritime security in the Indian Ocean and contribute to maintaining a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region.
Rajnath Singh also announced that a “Drone City” is being developed in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, with a cluster of eight drone companies. He said that, just as Surat is recognised as the “Diamond City” and Bengaluru as the “Silicon Valley”, Kurnool will emerge as India’s drone hub in the future.
Pictures of INS Mahendragiri
This multi-mission stealth frigate can simultaneously counter air, surface and underwater threats.
According to the Navy, INS Mahendragiri will play a role in making the Indo-Pacific region safe and stable.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned INS Mahendragiri into the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam Naval Dockyard.
Specialties of INS Mahendragiri
Over 75% indigenous technology
More than 75% of the warship’s equipment and technology has been developed in India. MSMEs from across the country have also contributed to its construction, boosting domestic defence manufacturing and creating employment opportunities.
Equipped with advanced weaponry
INS Mahendragiri is fitted with modern surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missile systems, advanced electronic warfare systems, anti-submarine warfare capabilities, and an integrated combat management system.
Stealth design and high-speed capability
The warship features advanced stealth technology, making it difficult to detect on radar. It is powered by a Combined Diesel and Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, enabling high-speed operations over long distances.
What is a stealth frigate?
A stealth frigate is a warship that cannot be easily detected by radar, infrared sensors, sonar, or enemy surveillance systems. This means it becomes more difficult for the enemy to find and target it.
- Low radar visibility: The ship’s exterior design and special materials reflect radar signals less.
- Low heat emission: Engine heat is controlled in such a way that infrared sensors cannot easily detect it.
- Low noise: Keeping propeller and machinery noise low helps protect against submarines and sonar.
- Multi-purpose warship: It can combat threats from air, sea, and submarines.
- Modern weapons: Equipped with surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles, torpedoes, naval guns, helicopters, and state-of-the-art radar.
What is Project 17A?
Under Project 17A, the Indian Navy is building seven stealth guided-missile frigates. Of these, four are being built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, while three are under construction at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
Project 17A is the advanced successor to the Project 17 (Shivalik-class) programme. It is the first major Indian warship project to extensively use integrated block construction, where different sections of the ship are built separately and later assembled. This method reduces construction time and improves build quality.
Bhaskar Knowledge
INS Mahendragiri is named after the Mahendragiri mountain, which also holds religious significance. According to mythological beliefs, this mountain was the ascetic abode of Lord Parashuram. It is also mentioned in the Ramayana. The Indian Navy names many of its warships after the country’s historical mountains, rivers, and heritage sites, which honors both military tradition and cultural identity.
