The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Mahendragiri, the sixth and final vessel of the indigenous Nilgiri-class stealth frigate programme, on July 11. The induction marks the completion of one of India’s key indigenous warship projects, reinforcing the country’s growing capability in designing and building advanced naval platforms.
The Nilgiri-class programme is a major achievement under India’s defence self-reliance initiative. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, the project showcases India’s expanding expertise in modern naval engineering and indigenous shipbuilding.
Each Nilgiri-class frigate has a displacement of around 3,280 tonnes and measures approximately 109 metres in length. The ships are equipped with modern combat management systems, advanced air-surveillance radars, and a flexible weapons configuration capable of operating anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and embarked helicopters. Their stealth-oriented design reduces radar detectability, improving survivability during combat operations.
The programme began with the commissioning of INS Nilgiri in 2020, followed by INS Himgiri, INS Udaygiri, INS Dunagiri, and INS Tarkash in successive years through 2024. The timely induction of these vessels highlights GRSE’s ability to deliver complex frontline warships while strengthening India’s domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem.
The Nilgiri-class frigates play a vital role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests. They are designed to undertake multi-role missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface operations, area air defence, maritime surveillance, escort duties, and protection of strategic sea lanes across the Indian Ocean Region.
The successful completion of the programme reflects India’s long-term strategy of reducing dependence on imported military platforms while promoting indigenous research, design, and production. The project has also supported thousands of skilled jobs across shipbuilding and defence manufacturing industries and strengthened the country’s naval industrial base.
With the commissioning of INS Mahendragiri, the Indian Navy will complete its fleet of six Nilgiri-class stealth frigates, significantly enhancing its surface warfare capabilities. The Navy continues to expand its indigenous fleet through projects such as the Visakhapatnam-class stealth destroyers, Project 75 India submarines, and other next-generation naval platforms as part of its long-term maritime modernisation plans.
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