Why in News?
INS Mahendragiri (F38) is the sixth indigenously developed stealth frigate built under Project 17A (Nilgiri-Class) for the Indian Navy. Its induction marks a significant boost for India's self-reliance in defense manufacturing (Aatmanirbhar Bharat), Indo-Pacific strategic posture, and maritime security. This topic is highly relevant for UPSC, MPPSC, SSC, CDS, and other competitive examinations.
What is INS Mahendragiri?
INS Mahendragiri is the sixth stealth frigate of the Nilgiri-class. It was designed by the Indian Navy's in-house Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. Named after the Mahendragiri mountain peak in the Eastern Ghats of Odisha, it is the first warship in the Indian Navy to bear this name.
Key Features & Combat Capabilities
- Indigenous Content: Over 75% of the equipment and systems are indigenously sourced, engaging Indian MSMEs and domestic defense manufacturers.
- Stealth Features: Employs state-of-the-art radar-evading stealth signatures and low acoustic signatures, vastly improving its survivability in contested waters.
- Propulsion: Powered by a CODOG (Combined Diesel or Gas) configuration, integrating diesel engines for economical cruising and gas turbines for high-speed sprints.
- Weapons Array: Outfitted with advanced surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles, anti-submarine rocket launchers and torpedoes, and an integrated Combat Management System (CMS).
All 7 Warships of Project 17A
The seven stealth frigates constructed under Project 17A (Nilgiri-class), named after major Indian mountain ranges, are:
| Warship Name | Shipbuilder |
|---|---|
| INS Nilgiri | Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) |
| INS Udaygiri | Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) |
| INS Himgiri | Garden Reach Shipbuilders (GRSE) |
| INS Taragiri | Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) |
| INS Dunagiri | Garden Reach Shipbuilders (GRSE) |
| INS Mahendragiri | Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) |
| INS Vindhyagiri | Garden Reach Shipbuilders (GRSE) |
Practice Questions
1Under which project is the stealth frigate INS Mahendragiri constructed?
2Which shipyard constructed the stealth frigate INS Mahendragiri?
3How many stealth frigates in total are being constructed under Project 17A?
4What does the abbreviation CODOG stand for in marine propulsion?
5Which of the following warships is NOT constructed under Project 17A?
6What is INS Mahendragiri named after?
7How many warships are being constructed by MDL under Project 17A?
8The warship 'INS Mahendragiri', built under Project 17A, is named after a peak in which mountain range?
Frequently Asked Questions
Article Sources
3 sources
Article Sources
3 sources
