Stealth frigate Mahendragiri expected to be delivered by February

The Indian Navy is gearing up to receive its final Project 17A stealth frigate, Mahendragiri, by February 2026. This advanced warship, equipped with cutting-edge weapons and sophisticated sensors, represents a significant leap in India’s naval capabilities. The announcement follows the recent commissioning of the first ship in the series, Nilgiri, and the delivery of the second, Udaygiri, highlighting India’s commitment to enhancing its maritime defense.

Project 17A: A New Era for Indian Naval Warfare

Mahendragiri is the seventh and most advanced frigate in the Project 17A series, which is a follow-on to the Shivalik-class frigates. The Indian Ministry of Defence has emphasized that these multi-mission frigates are designed to operate effectively in “Blue Water” environments, addressing both conventional and non-conventional threats. The frigates are built to safeguard India’s maritime interests, showcasing the nation’s growing prowess in naval warfare.

Indian Navy to Commission 2 Warships, 1 Submarine for Frontline Fleet

According to officials, Mahendragiri will incorporate over 75% indigenous content, reflecting India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. The ship features enhanced stealth capabilities, including a unique hull design that minimizes radar visibility. The integration of advanced technologies, such as an Infrared Suppression System (IRSS), further reduces the ship’s thermal signature, making it harder to detect.

Jay Varghese, Additional General Manager at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, highlighted the collaborative effort involved in the ship’s construction, stating that numerous Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have partnered with MDL to develop the necessary technologies. This collaboration not only strengthens India’s defense capabilities but also fosters the growth of ancillary industries around shipbuilding.

Udaygiri: A Milestone in Naval Engineering

The delivery of Udaygiri on July 1 marked a significant achievement for the Indian Navy, as it was completed in a record time of 37 months from its launch. This frigate is a modern iteration of the former INS Udaygiri, which served for over three decades before its decommissioning in 2007. The new Udaygiri boasts a state-of-the-art weapon and sensor suite, including a supersonic surface-to-surface missile system and a medium-range surface-to-air missile system, enhancing its operational capabilities.

Udaygiri also represents a milestone for the Warship Design Bureau, being the 100th ship designed and delivered by the organization. The successful delivery of these frigates underscores India’s ship design and construction capabilities, supported by a robust industrial ecosystem that includes over 200 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

As the Indian Navy prepares for the arrival of Mahendragiri, the advancements in naval technology and indigenous manufacturing signify a new chapter in India’s maritime defence strategy, reinforcing its position as a formidable force in the region.