INS Mahendragiri- The sixth ship of Nilgiri-class (Project 17A)

Why in the News?
INS Mahendragiri, the sixth ship of the Nilgiri-class under Project 17A, was delivered to the Indian Navy on 30 April 2026 at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.

About INS Mahendragiri
It is a state-of-the-art stealth guided-missile frigate designed as a multi-mission platform to address modern maritime security challenges. It represents a major advancement in indigenous warship design and construction.

About Project 17A (Nilgiri-class)

• Follow-on class of the earlier Shivalik-class frigates.
• Designed by the Warship Design Bureau.
• Built using Integrated Construction methodology for faster and efficient production.

Key Features

• Advanced stealth design to reduce radar signature.
• Equipped with modern weapon and sensor suites.
• Capable of anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare.
• Enhanced automation and survivability features.

Indigenisation and Economic Impact

• Around 75% indigenous content.
• Involvement of over 200 MSMEs.
• Generated employment for ~4,000 people directly and over 10,000 indirectly.

Significance

• Strengthens India’s maritime defence capabilities.
• Boosts the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing.
• Enhances India’s strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region.

Source: PIB