Indian Navy’s Mahendragiri, the last frigate under Project 17A, which was developed by the Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) was launched in Mumbai on Friday.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, along with his wife Sudesh Dhankar attended the launch of the warship as ‘chief guests’, wherein Mahendragiri was launched by Sudesh Dhankar.
The vice president said that it is befitting that the launch took place in a vibrant city like Mumbai. “I am sure that Mahendragiri, once commissioned, will proudly fly the tiranga (national tricolour) across the oceans, as an ambassador of India’s maritime might,” he added.
The warship — Mahendragiri — is named after a mountain peak in the eastern Ghats of Odisha.
Congratulating the Indian force, Vice President Dhankar said, “I congratulate our force with full confidence. They will continue improving themselves for the security of the world at large.”
He said that the Indian armed forces have made considerable strides in gender equality with a strong presence of over 10,000 women across the Army, Navy and Air Force.
The launch of Mahendragiri is a significant milestone in our maritime history, he said. “It is the last of the 7 warships of the Nilgiri-class stealth frigates built under Project17A,” he added.
Other then Vice President Dhankar and his wife, Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were also present at the launch ceremony.
Know All About The Warship
– This is the seventh ship under the Project 17A frigates. The first six ships have been launched by MDL and GRSE between 2019 and 2023.
– These warships — with improved stealth features, advanced weaponry and sensors — are follow-ons of Project 17 class frigates.
– These ships under Project 17A have been designed in-house by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau.
– The Navy said, “The newly christened Mahendragiri is a technologically advanced warship and stands as a symbol of India’s determination to embrace its rich naval heritage, while propelling itself towards a future of indigenous defence capabilities.”
– According to the Navy’s statement, in alignment with ‘Aatma Nirbharta’, a substantial 75 per cent of the orders for equipment and systems of Project 17A ships have been ordered on indigenous firms, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“The launch of Mahendragiri is an apt testament to the incredible progress our nation has made in building a self-reliant naval force,” the Navy said.
(With inputs from PTI)
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