The Indian Navy is preparing to launch its sixth indigenous stealth frigate, Mahendragiri (F38), in Visakhapatnam later this week. Designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai, this frigate showcases India’s growing skills in warship design and manufacturing.
Mahendragiri is built with advanced stealth capabilities, ensuring it has a lower radar profile and is more resilient in various maritime operations. It’s equipped with a modern combined propulsion system, allowing for high-speed performance and endurance across a wide range of missions.
The frigate features an impressive array of weapons and sensors, including missile systems for both surface-to-surface and surface-to-air attacks, sophisticated electronic warfare systems, anti-submarine capabilities, and a unified combat management system.
According to a Navy statement, Mahendragiri can handle missions related to air defense, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, maritime security, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, search and rescue, and maintaining a consistent maritime presence.
This vessel is particularly notable as it includes over 75% domestic content, integrating inputs from various Indian industries, including many micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This not only creates jobs but also enhances the country’s defense industrial base.
The commissioning of Mahendragiri is an important step in advancing the Project 17A program, strengthening the Navy’s capacity, and solidifying India’s standing as a key player in the global warship-building arena. The frigate is named after the Mahendragiri mountain range in the Eastern Ghats and represents strength and determination. This marks the first time a naval ship has been named after this mountain range.
