Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders unveils stealth frigate MAHENDRAGIRI
Marking its 250th anniversary, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has launched the fourth Stealth Frigate of Project 17A, named ‘MAHENDRAGIRI.’ This momentous occasion propels India’s march toward self-reliance, making the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat a tangible reality.
‘MAHENDRAGIRI’ – A Testament to Indian Warship Building Prowess
Named by Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar, the wife of Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar who was the chief guest, the ceremony was a star-studded event. Among the attendees were the Governor and Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Ministers, Chief of Naval Staff, Chairman and Managing Director of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and Indian Navy.
Integrated Construction Methodology and Future Delivery
The ‘MAHENDRAGIRI’ was constructed using Integrated Construction methodology, involving hull blocks with parallel outfitting across multiple geographic locations. Integrated at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, the ship’s keel was laid on June 28, 2022, with an expected delivery date of February 2026. The ship was launched with an approximate weight of 3450 Tons.
Boosting Local Ecosystem: Project 17A
Project 17A is not just about military might but also contributes to the nation’s economic prosperity. It engages approximately 210 MSMEs and about 1000 subcontracted workforce within Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders. Moreover, about 13 PSUs contribute to this project, making it a significant job creator and economic stimulator.
Indigenous Focus in Line with ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’
Over 75% of the orders for Project 17A have been placed on indigenous firms, including MSMEs. This aligns perfectly with the government’s vision of “Aatma Nirbhar Bharat.” The ship itself has been designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house design organization, the Warship Design Bureau, and its detailed design & construction have been overseen by the Warship Overseeing Team in Mumbai.
Timeline and Value of Project 17A
The total value of Project 17A is estimated to be around Rs. 25,700 Crores. The first ship, ‘Nilgiri,’ was launched on September 28, 2019, and is expected to be ready for sea trials in the first half of 2024. The second ship, ‘Udaygiri,’ was launched on May 17, 2022, and the third ship, ‘Taragiri,’ was launched on September 11, 2022.
Advanced Features of the ‘MAHENDRAGIRI’
The 149.02m long and 17.8m wide ‘MAHENDRAGIRI’ boasts advanced weapons, sensors, and a range of other state-of-the-art features. The ship is propelled by a CODOG combination of two Gas Turbines and 02 Main Diesel Engines, designed to achieve a speed of over 28 knots at a displacement of approximately 6670 Tons. The frigate will be fitted with supersonic surface-to-surface missile systems, adding to its formidable naval capabilities.
Cementing India’s Blue-Water Naval Capabilities
The launch of ‘MAHENDRAGIRI’ serves as a monumental testament to India’s warship-building capability and reaffirms Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders’ legacy in enhancing the nation’s blue-water prowess. With its launch, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders continues to carve out its legacy, validating its integral role in national defense and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.