INS Mahendragiri Joins Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | INS Mahendragiri (F38), the sixth and final Project 17A stealth frigate, commissioned into the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet on 11 July 2026 in Visakhapatnam. |
| Inauguration | Commissioned by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Marks a milestone in India's indigenous defense capabilities and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. |
| Project 17A Overview | - Follows Project 17 (Shivalik-class) - Focus: Advanced stealth, automation, survivability, and network-centric warfare capabilities. |
| Key Features | - Stealth: Low radar, acoustic, and heat signatures - Automation: Reduced crew dependency - Combat: Anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine, and electronic warfare capabilities. |
| Operational Roles | Maritime security, search & rescue, HADR (Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief), reconnaissance, and protecting Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and beyond. |