Kumar Bahukhandi
This is the Indian Navy’s new warship, ‘Mahendragiri’. (Photo: X/PIB)
On April 30, 2026, the Indian Navy took delivery of ‘Mahendragiri’—the sixth stealth frigate under Project 17A. Built at Mazagon Dock, this vessel was delivered just 17 months after the delivery of the preceding ship. Constructed with 75% indigenous content, this state-of-the-art frigate is equipped with stealth technology, weaponry, and sensors.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL) in Mumbai has delivered an advanced stealth frigate named Mahendragiri to the Indian Navy. This marks the sixth vessel under Project 17A (Nilgiri Class). The delivery of this ship stands as a major milestone for both the Indian Navy and the nation’s shipbuilding capabilities.
Under Project 17A, India is indigenously constructing stealth frigates. These vessels are multi-purpose, meaning they are capable of executing a diverse range of combat missions at sea. Mahendragiri is the fourth ship of this class to be built at Mazagon Dock.
In terms of design, stealth capabilities (the ability to evade radar detection), firepower, automation, and safety, this vessel represents a significant improvement over the preceding Shivalik Class (Project 17).
Key Features of Mahendragiri
Mahendragiri is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors. It features a CODOG (Combined Diesel Or Gas) propulsion system, which utilizes both diesel engines and gas turbines. The ship is fitted with Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) on two shafts.
The vessel also incorporates an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), which automatically controls the ship’s engines, power systems, and other onboard systems.
It possesses full capability to counter enemy ships (anti-surface), aerial attacks (anti-air), and submarines (anti-submarine). Thanks to stealth technology, this ship has a reduced radar signature, making it less visible to enemy radar systems.
A Testament to Indigenous Efforts
Mahendragiri incorporates 75 percent indigenous content. More than 200 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have been involved in this project. This initiative has generated direct employment for approximately 4,000 people and indirect employment for over 10,000 others. The ship was designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB), and the team at Mazagon Dock completed the project on schedule.
The first ship of Project 17A, Nilgiri, was handed over to the Indian Navy on December 20, 2024. Within a span of just 17 months, the sixth ship—Mahendragiri—has also been delivered. This marks a monumental achievement for the Indian shipbuilding industry.
The Indian Navy remains steadfast in its focus on self-reliance. Project 17A represents a significant stride in this direction. These frigates will substantially enhance India’s maritime security, surveillance, and combat capabilities. Stealth frigates like Mahendragiri not only pose a formidable challenge to adversaries but also demonstrate to the world that India is now fully capable of independently designing and constructing state-of-the-art warships.
