Daily News Analysis ‘Stealth Frigate Mahendragiri Set to Strengthen Indian Navy’ : 7 July

Why in News:

• The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Mahendragiri (F38), the sixth indigenous Project 17A stealth frigate, strengthening India’s naval capabilities.

INS Mahendragiri (Project 17A): Key Facts

• INS Mahendragiri (F38): Sixth Project 17A (P-17A) stealth guided-missile frigate of the Indian Navy.
• Designed by: Warship Design Bureau (WDB) of the Indian Navy.
• Built by: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
• Project 17A: Follow-on class of the Project 17 Shivalik-class frigates with improved stealth, automation and combat capability.
• Role: Multi-role warship capable of anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare.
• Stealth Features: Reduced Radar Cross Section (RCS), lower infrared and acoustic signatures, making detection difficult.
• Advanced Features: Integrated platform management system, network-centric operations and high degree of automation.