The Indian Navy inducted Mahendragiri (F38), the sixth Project 17A indigenous stealth frigate, into its Eastern Fleet at Visakhapatnam on 11 July 2026. The commissioning ceremony, presided over by defence minister Rajnath Singh, marked another significant milestone in India’s journey towards defence self-reliance and indigenous warship construction.

Designed in-house by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, Mahendragiri represents the latest evolution of India’s frontline stealth frigates. Incorporating advanced stealth features, enhanced survivability, reduced radar signature, and a high degree of automation, the warship is designed to undertake full spectrum of maritime operations in all dimensions of naval warfare.

With over 75 percent indigenous content, the ship reflects the success of the government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and highlights the growing capability of the Indian shipbuilding ecosystem. The construction of the ship has involved a large number of Indian industries, including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), thereby strengthening the nation’s defence industrial base and generating significant employment.

Mahendragiri is equipped with an advanced suite of indigenous and state-of-the-art weapons, sensors, and electronic warfare systems, enabling her to effectively undertake anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine operations. The ship is also capable of maritime security operations, Search and Rescue missions, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), and sustained deployments across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and beyond.

Named after the majestic Mahendragiri mountain range in the Eastern Ghats, the ship symbolises strength, resilience, and steadfast resolve. As the first Indian Naval warship to bear this name, Mahendragiri carries forward a legacy that reflects the Indian Navy’s commitment to operational excellence and national service. The ship is fully prepared to join the Fleet as a Mission Primed combat platform.

 The induction of Mahendragiri further strengthens the Indian Navy’s combat capability and underscores India’s emergence as a leading indigenous warship-building nation. As India continues to enhance its role as the preferred security partner in the IOR and a key contributor to a secure, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, Mahendragiri stands ready to safeguard the nation’s maritime interests with professionalism, determination, and resolve.

Guided by her motto, ‘Mighty–Majestic–Matchless’, Mahendragiri is poised to serve the nation with distinction and add another proud chapter to the Indian Navy’s illustrious history.

“India stands as the primary guarantor of peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region,” said Singh as he commended the Indian Navy for safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests. He was addressing naval personnel in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on July 10 on the eve of the commissioning of Mahendragiri.

Highlighting the strategic significance of the IOR, the defence minister stated that over 90 per cent of India’s trade by volume passes through maritime routes, while the country’s energy security, Exclusive Economic Zone and island territories make maritime security central to its economic growth and national interests. He emphasised that increasing geopolitical competition and the growing presence of extra-regional powers have underscored the need for heightened maritime vigilance. “In such a situation, the Indian Navy is protecting India’s maritime borders, securing vital sea lanes and upholding the country’s interests across the region,” he said.

Singh described India as the largest and most responsible stakeholder in the IOR, and reaffirmed its commitment to peace, stability, and a secure maritime environment. “The region is our courtyard, and securing the courtyard is our responsibility,” he added.

Singh underlined the progress being made towards achieving self-reliance, terming the commissioning of Mahendragiri as another shining example of India’s growing indigenous defence capabilities. While he credited the valour, commitment and patriotism of the defence forces for protecting the nation from threats and challenges, he urged the soldiers to continue upgrading their skills, master cutting-edge technologies, and remain prepared to address the changing character of modern warfare.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla and other senior officers of the Indian Navy were present on the occasion.