Col Alok Mathur, SM (Retd)
On 11 July 2026, cheered by the blue waves of Bay of Bengal, the sixth indigenous stealth frigate under project 17A, INS Mahendra Giri, joined Indian Navy’s Sun rise fleet at Vishakhapatnam Naval base. The naval vessel was given its naval colours on commissioning and allotted pennant no F 38 as new identity in Indian Navy. Raksha- Mantri Raj Nath Singh presided over the commissioning ceremony in presence of Admiral Krishna Swaminathan (Chief of Naval Staff), Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla (Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Eastern Naval Command), Captain Jagmohan (Chief Managing Director, Mazagaon Docks Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Senior Naval Officers, NSTL and DRDO scientists and Officials of 200 MSMEs. Defence Minister, in his motivational address, described INS Mahendra Giri as most modern frontline War ship and a true reflection of India’s growing self- reliance in ship building capability, underpinned by exceptional design capabilities, manufacturing excellence, rapid growth of naval industrial eco system and ability to deliver state of Art weapon platforms in a timely manner.
Project 17A was conceived by Naval Warship Design Bureau to build seven frontline upgraded indigenous Frigates with latest technology incorporating Stealth features and multimode weapon platform with Anti Air, Anti Sea, Anti surface and Anti-submarine capabilities was conceived in 2003 but remained dormant due to lack of funds. It was finally approved on 18 February 2015 at the cost of Rs 45,381 crores by CCS chaired by PM Narendra Modi.
The seven ships were to be built, three by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers GRSE) , Kolkata and four by Mazagaon Shipbuilders, Mumbai (MDL). INS Nilgiris manufactured by MDL, was first to be commissioned in Jan 2025 followed by INS Udayagiri (MDL) in Aug 2025, INS Tara Giri (MDL) in Apr 2026, INS Him Giri (GSRE in Jul 2025. The fifth Warship in the series was INS Duna Giri built by GSRE, commissioned on 21 June 2026 at Shyama Prashad Mukherjee port, Kolkata by PM along with two more ships. INS Mahendra Giri (MDL) is the sixth frigate. INS Vindya Giri (GSRE), the seventh sister, is also ready undergoing high sea trials but not commissioned so far. It is likely to be commissioned in Sept/ Oct 2026,
The new Warship of Indian Navy has been suitably named after the deeply revered Mahendra Giri Mountain range, mentioned in Ramayana, located in Eastern Ghats of present Odisha state. It was the holy place Bhagwan Parshuram performed eternal penance, who was the sixth avatar of Vishnu and a Warrior. INS Mahendra Giri is the sixth stealth frigate of Nilgiri- class guided missile platform under project 17 A built by Mazagaon Docks Ship Builders Ltd, a public sector company at Mumbai shipyard. The Keel of the War ship was laid on 22 June 2022 and was completed on 1 Sept 2023.
It was launched in 30th April 2026 for extensive harbour and high Sea trials. The vessel was finally commissioned on 11 July 2026. The weight of ship is 6670 tonnes, , length is 150 metres, Beam 18 metres, Draft is 5.3 metres and depth about 10 metres. The power plants are two General Electric HAL LM 2500, supported by two Man Diesel 6000 kw generators. The optimum speed is about 20 kn but can cruise up to 30 kns ( 55 kmph) in battle conditions. The cruising range at optimum speed of 20 kn will be 10,000 kms. The crew complement is 226 including 20 officers.
The Warship is a multimode weapon platform and can deal with Land, Air, Water and underwater threats effectively. For long range strategic land or sea targets, it is equipped with two Vertical launcher system VLS with 4 tubes each capable of firing 8 Brahmos Supersonic cruise missiles It is also fitted with 4×8 Cell VLS for launching of Barak -8 Anti Air Missiles (32 x Barak 8 AA missiles). The War Ship on deck platforms are 1x OTO 76mm naval gun (BHEL made) and 2 X AK 630 CWS for shooting hostile speed boats and Drones/ UAVs. The Warship can adequately deal with Submarine threats as it has been equipped with 2 X Triple tubes Indigenously developed Varun Astra anti-ship/ Anti-submarine torpedoes. It has been provided with RBS 6000 , Anti submarine Rocket launcher with 72 rockets for Deep submerged U boats. The Ship can keep two helicopters ( 2X Sea Kings / Dhruva ) on board for reconnaissance and casualty evacuation missions.
The eyes and ears of INS Mahanderagiri are also modern and state of Art. The main Radar is IAI EL/M 2248 MF Star S band AESA Radar and also supported by Indra LTR 25 Lanza L Band surface search radar. For under water surveillance, BEL HUMSA – NG bow sonar has been installed.
The latest stealth features have been incorporated with special carbon composite fibre material, rounded decks, retractable antennas and weapon platforms. The thermal and acoustic suppression measures with specially designed propellor blades have been incorporated for low infra- red signatures for enemy surveillance equipment. Combat suite management system is an important stealth multiplier. As Electronic Warfare measures, Ajanta EW suite has been installed on the ship. Moreover, four Kavach Decoy launchers have been fitted for diverting away the hostile torpedoes/missiles.
Raksha Mantri complimented Indian Navy, MDL, NSTL and related MSMEs for successfully completing Project 17 A and in realising the dream of Self Reliance. He asserted that maritime and economic security are closely linked to each other and oceans are not only vital for national security but also for trade, supply chains. Energy, security and economic growth. Highlighting the importance of Indo pacific region. he reaffirmed the PM s commitment to the vision of security and growth for all in the region (SAGAR).
He further added that India is a world net security provider and trusted partner ensuring security and development across the region. He praised Indian Navy for consistently demonstrating its commitment in HADR missions, Anti-Piracy Operations, and rescue and evacuation missions for Indians and foreign nationals from crisis and war zones. Indian Navy has been always first responder and preferred and reliable security partner in Indo pacific region.
Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, CNS termed INS Mahendra Giri as a symbol of India’s growing maritime capability and technological Self-reliance. The induction of NEW Warship is another milestone in indigenous War ship construction and significantly enhancing Navy’s Operational capability. He reaffirmed that the Indian Navy remains combat ready, credible, cohesive force and future ready. `
CNS also highlighted a very important aspect of reduction of long manufacturing schedule without compromising on security and quality of product. The launch to delivery time period has been reduced by 50% (from 63 months to 31 months) and similarly total construction timings has been also cut by 20 % (95 months to 75 months) . Moreover, 75% indigenisation target has been successfully achieved. The new bench mark could be achieved by coordinated and joint efforts of MDL, Indian manufacturers, MSMEs, War Ship design team, trial agencies and crew.
INS Mahedra giri symbolises strength steadfastness, and indomitable resolve and bears the motto ‘Mighty, Majestic and Matchless. Project 17 A Stealth Sharks have depicted to world that Indian Navy is true blue water Navy with global reach. Hormuz crisis have generated a new role for Indian Navy to protect Oil tankers convoys with Indian flags and Indian crew. It has already escorted 18 Cargo vessels safely to Indian Waters and rescued crews from foreign vessels. We are proud of Indian Navy which a force to acknowledge and has achieved Blue water status.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.