Defence Minister Rajnath Singh cut the ribbon on INS Mahendragiri Saturday in Visakhapatnam. He stressed that despite AI's rise in warfare, victories hinge on national resolve and soldier skill. Future conflicts won't just be tech-driven — they'll need old-school military strength mixed with new innovations.
At the ceremony, Singh noted that while tech is remaking battlefields, it won't replace traditional military might. "Future wars may be fought with Artificial Intelligence," he said,"but they will still be won by national resolve, trained soldiers and capable military power." This drives home the need to keep strong military alongside tech advances.
INS Mahendragiri,sixth in the Project 17A Nilgiri-class stealth frigates, marks a key moment for Indian Navy. Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai,it's the last of four warships from project, boosting India's naval power. Singh called it the "concluding jewel" of MDL’s Project 17A,confident about future shipbuilding.
Previous Project 17A frigates include INS Nilgiri in January 2025,then INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri in August 2025, INS Taragiri in April 2026, and INS Dunagiri in June 2026. INS Mahendragiri adds muscle to the fleet .
Named after the Eastern Ghats, it's first Indian warship with this name. Over 75% of it is made in India,supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat drive for defense self-reliance. Designed by Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, it shows off domestic defense industry and MSME capabilities.
With advanced stealth,low radar signatures,and high automation,INS Mahendragiri is built for speed and endurance. Its CODOG propulsion system boosts efficiency. Packed with weapons and sensors, it includes missile systems,electronic warfare, and anti-submarine tools.
Its Combat Management System ensures it can handle anti-air, anti-surface, power projection, and humanitarian missions. This versatility is key as India aims to expand maritime influence.
Before commissioning,Singh praised naval personnel at Eastern Naval Command for protecting India's maritime interests. He stressed India's role in Indian Ocean Region (IOR),saying, "The region is our courtyard,and securing the courtyard is our responsibility." Maritime security is crucial for India's economy — over 90% of its trade by volume goes by sea.
Singh also noted warfare's changing nature,warning conflicts may take unexpected forms. He urged vigilance and readiness, saying that while the government will supply cutting-edge tech, it's the personnel who will decide battle outcomes .
