New Delhi, 06 July (H.S.): India's maritime capabilities are set to receive a major boost as the Indian Navy prepares to commission the advanced indigenous stealth frigate INS Mahendragiri into its fleet on July 11 in Visakhapatnam. The commissioning comes at a time when the strategic and maritime significance of India's eastern seaboard continues to grow. The induction of INS Mahendragiri is expected to significantly enhance India's surveillance capabilities and operational reach across the Indian Ocean Region.

Indian Navy Captain Vivek Madhwal said that INS Mahendragiri, the sixth stealth frigate under the Project 17A class, is not merely a warship but a 6,670-ton embodiment of the spirit of the 'Make in India' initiative and the engineering excellence of India's indigenous shipbuilding industry. Designed in-house by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai, the frigate represents a generational leap over previous designs. With more than 75 per cent indigenous content, the vessel reflects the maturity of India's domestic defence industrial ecosystem, which now includes over 200 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, INS Mahendragiri has been designed for high-speed, high-endurance operations and multi-dimensional maritime missions. The frigate is equipped with a world-class weapons suite, including supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, and a dedicated anti-submarine warfare system. These capabilities are seamlessly integrated through a state-of-the-art Combat Management System, enabling the crew to respond to threats with precision. Its versatile mission profile makes the vessel suitable for high-intensity combat operations as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.

Captain Madhwal said the Indian Navy maintains a continuous operational presence across the Indian Ocean, from the Persian Gulf to the Strait of Malacca. He noted that the Navy has consistently been at the forefront during crises, whether conducting evacuation operations or providing humanitarian assistance. He added that the Navy represents India's values and commitment, and the commissioning of INS Mahendragiri will further strengthen its operational capability, core values, and national commitment. He also emphasised that India must not only safeguard its coastline but also ensure the security of vital sea lanes, strategic choke points, and critical digital infrastructure.

Since last year, the Indian Navy has commissioned 12 warships, one submarine, and one aircraft squadron. With its advanced combat capabilities, INS Mahendragiri stands as a symbol of India's growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing. More than 75 per cent of the vessel's components are indigenous, and it has been constructed in nearly 15 per cent less time than comparable ships of its class. Named after the majestic Mahendragiri mountain range in the Eastern Ghats, the warship is poised to create a distinguished legacy and add another proud chapter to India's maritime history.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar