Context
- The Indian Navy is set to induct Mahendragiri (F38), the sixth Project 17A indigenous stealth frigate, into its Eastern Fleet at Visakhapatnam on 11 July 2026.
About Mahendragiri
- Mahendragiri (F38) is the sixth Project 17A indigenous stealth frigate of the Indian Navy.
- Named after the majestic Mahendragiri mountain range in the Eastern Ghats, the ship symbolises strength, resilience, and steadfast resolve.
- The ship has been designed in-house by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB).
- It has been built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
- The frigate represents the latest evolution of India’s frontline stealth warships.
- It is equipped with an advanced suite of indigenous and state-of-the-art weapons, sensors, and electronic warfare systems.
- The ship is fully prepared to join the Fleet as a Mission Primed combat platform.
- Guided by its motto, “Mighty–Majestic–Matchless”, Mahendragiri is set to serve the nation and further enrich the Indian Navy’s illustrious legacy.
- With over 75% indigenous content, the ship embodies the success of the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
About Project 17A
- Project 17A is the follow-on programme of the Project 17 (Shivalik-class frigates).
- The project envisages the construction of advanced stealth frigates equipped with modern weapons and sensors.
- Under Project 17A:
- Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai is constructing four frigates.
- Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata is constructing three frigates.
- Project 17A Frigates
- INS Nilgiri
- INS Himgiri
- INS Udaygiri
- INS Dunagiri
- INS Taragiri
- Mahendragiri (F38)
- INS Vindhyagiri
With reference to Mahendragiri (F38) and Project 17A, consider the following statements:
1. Mahendragiri is the sixth Project 17A indigenous stealth frigate of the Indian Navy.
2. Mahendragiri has been designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).
3. The ship has more than 75 percent indigenous content.
4. Mahendragiri is capable only of anti-submarine operations.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
The correct answer is (a) 1, 2 and 3 only.
Detailed Analysis of the Statements:
• Statement 1 is correct: Mahendragiri (F38) is officially commissioned into the Indian Navy as the sixth Project 17A indigenous stealth frigate. (Note: While it was originally planned as the seventh hull in the sequence of construction, it is the sixth ship of the class to be formally commissioned and inducted into active naval fleet operations).
• Statement 2 is correct: The vessel has been designed in-house by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai.
• Statement 3 is correct: Reflecting the government's focus on self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat), the stealth frigate boasts more than 75% indigenous content, leveraging equipment from a massive network of domestic industries and MSMEs.
• Statement 4 is incorrect: Mahendragiri is not restricted exclusively to anti-submarine operations. It is a versatile, multi-mission frontline warship capable of undertaking a full spectrum of tasks across all dimensions of maritime warfare, including anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine operations.