Mumbai. 01 September 2023. Mahendragiri, the seventh Stealth Frigate of Project 17A being built at MDL, was launched today at the shipyard by Dr (Smt.) Sudesh Dhankhar, wife of Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar. As Mahendragiri descended into the waters of Arabian Sea, a wave of euphoria swept across the gathering. Dignitaries, Naval personnel, Shipbuilders, and spectators were united in their heartfelt applause, in admiration of the vessel and the team behind her creation.  Hon’ble Vice President of India was the Chief Guest for the event. The Governor of Mumbai, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Chief of the Naval Staff, senior ministers from the State Government, senior dignitaries and senior officers from the Ministry of Defence and Indian Navy, were amongst the several dignitaries who attended the launch ceremony.

The Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited has played a pivotal role in contributing to our nation’s maritime capabilities. MDL has consistently demonstrated expertise and technological prowess, in the construction of warships and delivering vessels ranging from patrol boats to stealth frigates. MDL’s contributions have not only enhanced country’s defence capabilities but has also played a significant role in bolstering indigenous manufacture and self-reliance. Following the launch, ‘Mahendragiri’ will join its three sister ships at the Wet Basins of MDL, to progress remaining outfitting activities and equipment trials, in the run up to their delivery and commissioning.

Project 17A Frigates are the follow-on class of the Project 17 (Shivalik Class) Frigates, with improved stealth features, advanced weapons & sensors and platform management systems. Seven Project 17A Frigates are under various stages of construction at MDL and GRSE. The design of Advanced Stealth Frigates also showcases the prowess of the Warship Design Bureau, in designing technologically advanced warships for the Indian Navy.

With the launch, the Nation’s indigenous expertise and engineering capabilities receives a major boost, reducing India’s dependence on foreign suppliers, promoting self-reliance and fostering a robust defence industrial base. Over 75% of the orde AatmaNirbhar rs of Project 17A, have been placed on indigenous firms including MSMEs, keeping in line with the Government’s vision of ‘Bharat’. Economic development, employment generation, growth of MSMEs and ancillary industry in the country, are positive May this warship serve as a powerful testament of our resolve and commitment to national security, and our vision of a prosperous and secure future. offs of the shipbuilding project.

During the event, the  Vice President of India highlighted that the launch of Mahendragiri is significant milestone in India’s maritime history and conveyed his profound satisfaction and heartfelt appreciation for the remarkable achievements of the Warship Design Bureau and other Naval Teams, for fulfilling the nation’s aspiration of self-reliance in warship building. He also lauded MDL for its unwavering commitment and steadfast support to warship production and enhancement of country’s defence capabilities. The shipyard effort, has significantly enabled the Indian Navy to successfully execute its ship induction plan and emerge as a formidable force in the Indian Ocean Region. The launch of the warship today carries the clear message that India will continue to invest in her maritime power. May this warship serve as a powerful testament of our resolve and commitment to national security, and our vision of a prosperous and secure future.