INS Mahendragiri: A New Era for India's Naval Strength
Commissioning of INS Mahendragiri
πππ πππ‘ππ§ππ«ππ π’π«π’, the sixth indigenous stealth frigate under Project 17A (Photo:@airnewsalerts/X)
Visakhapatnam, July 11: On Saturday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh officially inducted Mahendragiri, the sixth stealth frigate developed under Project 17A, into the Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy.
During the commissioning ceremony, Singh expressed his congratulations to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), the Indian Navy, the crew of INS Mahendragiri, and the citizens of India, emphasizing that this warship showcases the nation's advancing defense manufacturing capabilities and its commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
Singh highlighted that INS Mahendragiri is equipped to effectively address aerial threats, surface enemy vessels, and submarines. As a blue-water warship, it is designed to safeguard India's maritime interests both along the coast and in far-reaching oceanic territories for extended periods.
With a full-load displacement of approximately 6,670 tonnes and a maximum speed of 28 knots, INS Mahendragiri is a versatile stealth frigate capable of executing a wide range of maritime operations.
The vessel features cutting-edge stealth technology, improved survivability, a minimized radar signature, and a high level of automation.
Singh pointed out that over 75% of the warship's components are sourced from within India, showcasing the nation's design capabilities, manufacturing prowess, and the strengthening of its defense ecosystem.
INS Mahendragiri is compatible with the BrahMos missile, recognized as one of the fastest and most formidable cruise missiles globally.
Additionally, it is outfitted with a multifunction radar, a long-range surface-to-air missile system, indigenous rocket and torpedo launchers, an integrated anti-submarine defense system, an electronic warfare suite, and a close-in weapon system.
The warship, named after the Mahendragiri mountain range in the Eastern Ghats, is the first Indian naval vessel to carry this name.
Singh noted that the crest of the ship, which features a goshawk atop the Mahendragiri mountain, symbolizes keen vision, remarkable patience, and the capacity for decisive actionβqualities essential for a frontline naval vessel.
The Defence Minister concluded that the commissioning of Mahendragiri enhances the combat capabilities of the Indian Navy and highlights India's status as a prominent nation in indigenous warship construction.