The Indian Navy is ready to commission Mahendragiri, its sixth indigenous stealth frigate built under Project 17A, at Visakhapatnam on 11 July 2026. The warship, also identified as F38, has been designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai. Its name comes from the Mahendragiri mountain range of the Eastern Ghats, and it is the first Indian naval warship to carry this name.
For science and technology preparation, Mahendragiri is important because it links naval capability with indigenous warship design, advanced stealth technology, automation and defence manufacturing. The ship has radar-evading features, improved survivability and a combined diesel or gas propulsion system that supports high speed and better operational capability during long deployments. It carries indigenous advanced weapons and sensors, including surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missile systems, electronic warfare capability, anti-submarine warfare systems and an integrated combat management system.
More than 75 percent indigenous content makes Mahendragiri an example of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Its construction involved a large network of Indian industries, including many MSMEs, creating employment opportunities and strengthening the defence industrial base. Operationally, the ship is meant for anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine roles, maritime security, HADR, search and rescue and long-duration maritime missions. Its induction is presented as a milestone for Project 17A, the Navy's combat capability and India's position as a major indigenous warship-building country.