Indian Navy Bolsters Fleet With Stealth Frigate INS Mahendragiri, Rajnath Says It Will Safeguard Country's Interests

Last Updated:July 11, 2026, 12:10 IST

Rajnath Singh said INS Mahendragiri can be equipped with BrahMos missile and is capable of responding simultaneously to threats from the air, sea and beneath the surface.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday attended the commissioning ceremony of INS Mahendragiri at the Visakhapatnam Naval Dockyard.

He described Andhra Pradesh as a new powerhouse of India’s defence and aerospace manufacturing. Congratulating the crew and everyone involved in building the warship, the Defence Minister said, “Andhra emerged as a new powerhouse of India’s defence and aerospace manufacturing."

“I congratulate the crew and the entire staff who worked on INS Mahendragiri. Andhra is the land of pride and bravery," he added. The commissioning of INS Mahendragiri marks another milestone in India’s push for defence self-reliance and indigenous warship construction.

Stealth frigate strengthens Eastern Fleet

INS Mahendragiri has been inducted into the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet as the sixth indigenous stealth frigate under Project 17A.

The vessel is also the sixth ship of the Nilgiri-class frigates and the fourth in the class to be built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).

Built with more than 75 per cent indigenous content, the warship reflects India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Mahendragiri is the sixth Project 17A frigate to be delivered to the Indian Navy within less than 17 months of the delivery of the first ship in the class, INS Nilgiri, on December 20, 2024.

Warship can tackle threats from air, sea and underwater

Speaking at the ceremony, Rajnath Singh said INS Mahendragiri is capable of responding simultaneously to threats from the air, sea and beneath the surface.

He also said the warship can be equipped with the BrahMos surface-to-surface missile.

“INS Mahendragiri can be equipped with BrahMos surface-to-surface missile. It can stay anywhere and safeguard our interests," the Defence Minister said.

Rajnath Singh also highlighted the symbolism behind the crest of INS Mahendragiri. He said the crest features a Goshawk perched on the Mahendragiri mountain, a bird known for its sharp vision, patience and ability to strike decisively at the right moment.

According to the minister, these qualities are essential for a modern warship.

“A warship at sea must remain alert at all times, be able to see far ahead, assess every situation accurately, and take decisive action whenever required. This crest itself represents the capabilities of INS Mahendragiri," he said.

Navy Chief highlights Project 17A legacy

Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan said Mahendragiri is the sixth of the seven warships being built under Project 17A. He noted that the other six ships have been named after the old Nilgiri-class vessels that served the nation from 1972 to 2013.

Mahendragiri, he said, is a new addition to the class and draws its name from the historic Mahendragiri Hills in the Eastern Ghats of Odisha.

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