Context: The Indian Navy received the delivery of ‘Mahendragiri’, the sixth Project 17A indigenous stealth frigate, from Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).
About Advanced Stealth Frigate Mahendragiri:
What it is?
- Mahendragiri (Yard 12654) is the sixth ship of the Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) It is a follow-on to the Project 17 (Shivalik-class) frigates, featuring significantly improved stealth features, advanced weaponry, and high levels of automation. It is named after a mountain peak in the Eastern Ghats of Odisha.
Built By:
- Manufacturer: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
- Designer: Warship Design Bureau (WDB), the Indian Navy’s in-house design organization.
Aim: The primary aim of the Project 17A ships is to provide the Indian Navy with versatile, multi-mission platforms capable of countering modern threats in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) while achieving maximum Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defense manufacturing.
Key Features:
- Advanced Stealth: Designed with reduced Radar Cross Section (RCS) through improved hull design and the use of radar-absorbent coatings.
- Propulsion: Configured with a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) plant. This includes a gas turbine for high-speed sprints and a diesel engine for economical cruising, driving a Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP).
- Weapon & Sensor Suite: Equipped with a potent three-dimensional combat suite covering:
- Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW)
- Anti-Air Warfare (AAW)
- Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
- Automation: Features a state-of-the-art Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) that centralizes the control and monitoring of the ship’s machinery and auxiliaries.
- Indigenous Content: Approximately 75% of the ship’s components are sourced from Indian industries, including over 200 MSMEs.
Significance:
- As a multi-mission platform, it enhances the Indian Navy’s ability to conduct blue-water operations and safeguard maritime interests.
- Delivering six high-tech frigates in under 17 months marks a quantum leap in Indian naval engineering and project management efficiency.
