As INS Mahendragiri joined the Indian Navy, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted its significance in bolstering India’s eastern seaboard strength and blue-water capabilities. The stealth frigate, part of Project 17A, was formally inducted during a ceremony in Visakhapatnam. Singh praised Andhra Pradesh’s role in maritime power, emphasizing the state’s growing prominence in defense and aerospace manufacturing.
Singh commended the rapid progress of the Project 17A program, noting that INS Mahendragiri is the sixth indigenous stealth frigate in the series. He underlined India’s increasing self-reliance in defense production, showcasing the country’s ability to manufacture warships domestically. The Defence Minister described INS Mahendragiri as a formidable warship with advanced capabilities, including the BrahMos missile system and indigenous defense components.
Highlighting the evolving nature of warfare, Singh emphasized the importance of maintaining strong conventional military capabilities alongside technological advancements. He stressed the complementary nature of advanced technology and conventional platforms, advocating for a balanced investment in both areas. Singh positioned INS Mahendragiri as a symbol of India’s commitment to excel in future technologies while preserving conventional strengths.
