India commissions advanced stealth frigate INS Mahendragiri

The Indian Navy commissioned the indigenous stealth frigate INS Mahendragiri into the Eastern Fleet at Visakhapatnam on 11 July 2026. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted that the ship, built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders with over 75 % indigenous content, demonstrates India’s growing self‑reliance in warship design and production. INS Mahendragiri, the sixth Project 17A frigate, displaces about 6,670 tonnes, can reach 28 knots and is equipped with supersonic surface‑to‑surface missiles, medium‑range surface‑to‑air missiles, anti‑submarine warfare systems and a multi‑role helicopter. The commissioning follows a rapid induction of five earlier stealth frigates within 1.5 years, bolstering India’s blue‑water combat capabilities and maritime security. Analysts note the ceremony occurs as the navy plans to expand to 200 warships by 2035, with pending approvals for next‑generation corvettes, offshore patrol vessels and larger destroyers, underscoring a broader push for fleet modernization.