The last Project 17A Frigate, “Mahendragiri,” will be launched by Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar, wife of India’s Vice President, in Mumbai. Named after an Eastern Ghats peak, Mahendragiri is the seventh ship of its kind, featuring improved stealth, advanced weaponry, and native technology. It symbolizes India’s commitment to naval heritage and self-sufficiency. The Project 17A initiative aims to construct seven ships, with four by M/s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and three by M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders. These vessels embody India’s ‘Aatma Nirbharata’ spirit, with 75% of equipment orders placed domestically.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Mahendragiri: Named after an Eastern Ghats mountain, it’s the seventh ship of Project 17A Frigates, reflecting advanced naval capabilities.
- Project 17A Frigates: An upgraded version of Project 17 Class Frigates (Shivalik Class), featuring enhanced stealth, weaponry, and sensors.
- Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders: Also known as MDL, a shipbuilding company in Mumbai constructing Project 17A ships.
- Warship Design Bureau: A division of the Indian Navy responsible for in-house design, crucial for the development of Project 17A Frigates and naval advancement.
