Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar launches warship Mahendragiri in Mumbai

Mahendragiri, 17A Frigate (last project), was launched by Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar, wife of Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar at M/s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd., Mumbai on 01 Sep 23.

The frigate Mahendragiri is named after a mountain peak in the Eastern Ghats in Orissa. Mahendragiri is the seventh ship of the 17A frigates.

• These warships are follow-ons to the Project 17 class frigates (Shivalik class), which have improved stealth features, advanced weapons and sensors, and platform management systems.
• The newly christened Mahendragiri is a technologically advanced warship and stands as a symbol of India's determination to embrace its rich naval heritage, while moving towards the future of indigenous defence capabilities.
• Under the Project 17A programme, a total of four ships are under construction by M/s MDL and three ships by M/s GRSE. The first six ships of the project have been launched so far by MDL and GRSE between 2019-2023.
• The Project 17A ships have been designed in-house by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau, the lead organisation for all warship design activities.
• In line with the country's firm commitment towards 'Atmanirbharta', 75% of orders for equipment and systems for Project 17A ships have been placed with indigenous firms including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
• The launch of Mahendragiri is a fitting testimony to the incredible progress our nation has made in building a self-reliant naval force.