Project 17A Frigates: INS Mahendragiri Delivered to Navy
Why in the news
The Navy took charge of INS Mahendragiri on 30 April 2026. The delivery came while the Indian Ocean saw more Chinese submarines and Houthi attacks near the Red Sea, which revived debate on whether warship growth matches real threats.
Key facts
- Project 17A: ₹45,000-crore plan for seven Nilgiri-class frigates with anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine roles.
- INS Mahendragiri is the sixth ship handed over, with six deliveries made within 17 months.
- Indigenous content: 75% by value; engines, radars and sonars come from abroad.
- Builders: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, both defence PSUs.
Project lineage
| Project | Class | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Project 17 | Shivalik-class | 3 ships, commissioned 2010-2012; first indigenous stealth frigates |
| Project 17A | Nilgiri-class | 7 ships; work continuing; complements Shivalik ships |
| Project 17B | Planned next generation | More stealth and combat strength |
Background
- A frigate is a fast multi-role warship for escort, anti-submarine, anti-air and surface combat; larger than a corvette, smaller than a destroyer.
- The Chain of Static Sensors is a set of coastal radar stations created after the 2008 Mumbai attacks to cover surveillance gaps.
Concerns
- The CAG noted hundreds of design changes in earlier warship classes during building.
- Ships were said to be commissioned on paper while key components were absent, leaving the hull not ready for combat.
- A 2025 CAG report said platforms were inducted without the supporting infrastructure.
Exam angle
- CAG: appointed under Article 148; audits Union and State accounts; reports go to the President or Governor.
- Project 17A frigates complement, not replace, the Shivalik class.
- Chain of Static Sensors is run by the Navy with the Coast Guard, not by the Coast Guard alone.