Visakhapatnam, July 11 2026 – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today commissioned the Indian Navy’s newest stealth frigate, INS Mahendragiri, into the Eastern Fleet at the Visakhapatnam Naval Dockyard. The ceremony was attended by senior naval officers, industry leaders and dignitaries.

INS Mahendragiri, built under Project 17A, is the sixth vessel in India’s advanced stealth frigate series. Constructed by Mangalore Dockyard Shipbuilders Ltd., the ship incorporates more than 75% indigenous components. Its stealth design, advanced radar‑displacement technology and high level of automation enable it to engage threats from air, surface and subsurface domains simultaneously.

Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that Andhra Pradesh is rapidly becoming a new centre for defence and aerospace manufacturing. He noted that the frigate will also serve in maritime security operations, search‑and‑rescue missions, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance. The name Mahendragiri, derived from the Mahendragiri mountain range on the Eastern Ghats, symbolizes strength, resilience and determination.

The ship’s construction involved significant participation from small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), creating new employment opportunities and accelerating India’s ‘Make in India’ defence manufacturing agenda. It places India among the world’s leading indigenous warship producers and strengthens the country’s role as a reliable security partner in the Indian Ocean Region.

Looking ahead, INS Mahendragiri represents a pivotal milestone in the Navy’s modernization drive. It enhances multi‑domain warfare capabilities and provides a robust platform for safeguarding India’s maritime interests.