The Mahendragiri warships project is set to be launched on September 1st. Named after a prominent mountain peak in the Eastern Ghats of Odisha, the Mahendragiri is the seventh ship of the Project 17A Frigates. These advanced warships, which follow the Project 17 Class Frigates (Shivalik Class), boast enhanced stealth capabilities, advanced weapons, sensors, and platform management systems, as stated by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Wednesday.
The launch of Mahendragiri signifies India’s commitment to its naval heritage while driving towards self-reliance in defense capabilities. Under the Project 17A program, a total of four ships by M/s MDL and three ships by M/s GRSE are under construction, with the first six ships already launched between 2019-2023.
The indigenous design and substantial use of indigenous equipment reflect India’s resolute ‘Aatma Nirbharata’ (self-reliance) policy, with 75% of equipment and systems orders placed on domestic firms, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The launch ceremony for Mahendragiri will be held at M/s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai, with Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar, the wife of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, officiating the launch.