Visakhapatnam: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 11 July 2026 commissioned INS Mahendragiri, the seventh and final stealth frigate under the Project 17A programme, into the Indian Navy at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. The warship has been designed and built in India, highlighting the country’s growing indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.
INS Mahendragiri is equipped with advanced surveillance systems, modern weapons and anti-submarine warfare capabilities, making it capable of tackling threats from the air, surface and underwater. Officials said the vessel will significantly enhance the Navy’s operational readiness and strengthen maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the induction of the warship reflects India’s progress towards self-reliance in defence under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. He also praised Indian shipyards and the domestic defence industry for successfully delivering complex naval platforms.
The commissioning of INS Mahendragiri marks the completion of the Project 17A frigate programme and is expected to further strengthen India’s naval capabilities amid evolving maritime security challenges. The Indian Navy continues to modernise its fleet with advanced, indigenously built warships to safeguard the country’s maritime interests.
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