75% Indigenous, Advanced weapons and sensors: Indian Navy gets INS Mahendragiri

July 11, 2026

On Saturday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh dedicated INS Mahendragiri—a state-of-the-art vessel that is up to 75 percent indigenous to the Indian Navy at a ceremony held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

The vessel is capable of deploying BrahMos missiles. The launch of INS Mahendragiri took place during the event attended by the Defence Minister, who noted that 75% of the materials used in the ship are indigenous.

INS Mahendragiri is virtually impregnable. Rajnath Singh also mentioned that the vessel can be equipped with BrahMos missiles.

‘Navy has emerged as a guardian of the nation’s economic interests’
The Defence Minister stated that Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a new powerhouse in the country’s defence and aerospace manufacturing sectors. He highlighted that INS Mahendragiri is capable of simultaneously countering threats from the air, the sea surface, and underwater.

Emphasizing the necessity of a capable and responsive navy for any nation, he noted that since the onset of conflict in West Asia, the Indian Navy has provided safe passage to merchant vessels carrying essential goods worth over ₹9,000 crore under ‘Operation Energy Security.’ This demonstrates that the Navy has emerged as a robust guardian of the country’s economic interests.

Rajnath Singh stated that maintaining peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region is a primary responsibility for India. He noted that as more than 90 percent of the country’s trade is conducted via maritime routes, maritime security is of paramount importance.

About INS Mahendragiri 

-INS Mahendragiri is the sixth stealth frigate of the Project 17A class. It is named after the Mahendragiri mountain range in the Eastern Ghats.

-The vessel was designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mumbai-based Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.

-This frigate stands as a prime example of India’s self-reliance in the defence sector, with 75 percent of its equipment being indigenous. A total of seven stealth guided-missile warships are being constructed for the Indian Navy under Project 17A.

-Four of these are being built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai, while three are under construction at Garden Reach Shipbuilders in Kolkata.

-Under this project, INS Nilgiri, INS Udaygiri, INS Himgiri, INS Taragiri, and INS Dunagiri have already been inducted into the Navy. Now, the Navy has also received INS Mahendragiri. One more warship remains to be delivered under Project 17A.

-INS Mahendragiri is approximately 149 meters long and weighs around 6,670 tonnes. It is capable of achieving a speed of 28 knots. It can accommodate a crew of about 225–230 naval personnel and officers.

-The warship can be equipped with the Barak-8 air defense system, a 76mm naval gun, torpedoes, and anti-submarine rockets. It also features advanced radar and electronic warfare systems.

-Naval helicopters such as the MH-60R can be deployed on board. Plans are also in place to equip the warship with BrahMos missiles.
INS Mahendragiri incorporates features such as stealth technology to evade enemy radar, enhanced security capabilities, and a high degree of automation.

-Mahendragiri is fitted with indigenous weapons, sensors, and electronic warfare systems. Additionally, it is capable of undertaking maritime security operations, search and rescue missions, disaster relief, and humanitarian assistance. Equipping it with BrahMos missiles is also under consideration.