Important for UPSC Prelims: Defence
About INS Mahendragiri (F38)
- INS Mahendragiri (F38) is a state-of-the-art, multi-role stealth guided-missile frigate belonging to the Nilgiri-class (Project 17A).
- It is designed to conduct simultaneous air, surface and sub-surface warfare operations while protecting India’s maritime interests.
Key Details
- Class: Nilgiri-class (Project 17A)
- Type: Stealth Guided-Missile Frigate
- Designed by: Warship Design Bureau (WDB), Indian Navy
- Built by: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai
- Motto: “Mighty – Majestic – Matchless”
- Named after: Mahendragiri Hills in the Eastern Ghats
Objective
- Safeguard India’s maritime boundaries and Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs).
- Strengthen maritime dominance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Conduct multi-dimensional naval warfare and maritime security operations.
Key Features of INS Mahendragiri
- Stealth: Low radar, infrared and acoustic signatures.
- 75%+ Indigenous: Built under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
- Advanced Weapons: Equipped with BrahMos, Barak-8 (LRSAM), torpedoes and anti-submarine rockets.
- Integrated Combat System: Indigenous CMS with advanced radar, sonar and EW suite.
- Multi-role: Anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine warfare, maritime security and Conclusion
The induction of INS Mahendragiri significantly enhances the Indian Navy’s blue-water operational capability and showcases India’s growing expertise in indigenous warship design and construction. As a key platform under Project 17A, it strengthens maritime security while advancing the objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence.
| This concept has been mentioned in the following article India’s Defence Production and Defence Indigenisation |