New Delhi: The Indian Navy indigenous warships programme is set to achieve another major milestone in July 2026. The Navy will commission two more India-built warships — INS Mahendragiri, a stealth guided-missile frigate, and INS Malvan, an anti-submarine warfare vessel. This move will further strengthen India’s maritime security and support the government’s vision of self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The induction comes just weeks after the commissioning of INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray, highlighting the Navy’s rapid modernization and fleet expansion efforts.
Key Highlights of the Indian Navy Indigenous Warships Programme
- Indian Navy to commission INS Mahendragiri and INS Malvan in July 2026.
- Both vessels are built in India under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
- INS Mahendragiri is the final warship of the Project 17A Nilgiri-class frigate programme.
- INS Malvan is designed to detect and counter enemy submarines near coastal waters.
- The inductions will boost India’s maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.
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What is INS Mahendragiri
INS Mahendragiri is a modern stealth frigate designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).
It is the seventh and final vessel under the Project 17A Nilgiri-class programme, one of India’s most advanced warship projects. The ship was delivered to the Navy in April 2026 and is now preparing for formal commissioning.
What are the Features of INS Mahendragiri
| Feature | Details |
| Type | Stealth Guided-Missile Frigate |
| Project | Project 17A Nilgiri Class |
| Builder | Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd |
| Role | Air, Surface and Underwater Warfare |
| Key Weapons | BrahMos Missiles, Barak-8 Air Defence System |
| Indigenous Content | Around 75% |
Why is it important?
The ship is designed to operate in multiple battle situations. It can:
- Defend against enemy aircraft.
- Attack hostile ships.
- Track and engage submarines.
- Support long-range maritime missions.
Its stealth design makes it harder for enemy radars to detect.
What is INS Malvan?
INS Malvan is the second vessel of the Navy’s Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) programme.
The vessel was built by Cochin Shipyard Limited and delivered earlier this year. It is specially designed to detect and neutralize enemy submarines operating near India’s coastline.
What are the Features of INS Malvan
| Feature | Details |
| Type | Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft |
| Builder | Cochin Shipyard Limited |
| Primary Role | Detect and Track Submarines |
| Weapons | Torpedoes, Anti-Submarine Rockets |
| Sensors | Advanced Sonar and Radar Systems |
| Operational Area | Coastal and Shallow Waters |
Why is it important
Submarines can operate quietly beneath the sea and pose serious threats. INS Malvan uses advanced sonar systems to locate underwater targets and protect India’s coastline, ports, and sea routes.
Indian Navy Indigenous Warships Programme: How These Warships Strengthen India
The commissioning of INS Mahendragiri and INS Malvan reflects India’s growing shipbuilding capabilities. Benefits include:
- Stronger naval presence in the Indian Ocean.
- Improved protection of sea trade routes.
- Better anti-submarine warfare capability.
- Greater use of Indian-made defence technology.
- Reduced dependence on foreign defence equipment.
Recent Indigenous Warships Added to the Navy
| Warship | Type | Commissioned |
| INS Dunagiri | Stealth Frigate | June 2026 |
| INS Sanshodhak | Survey Vessel | June 2026 |
| INS Agray | ASW Craft | June 2026 |
| INS Mahendragiri | Stealth Frigate | Expected July 2026 |
| INS Malvan | ASW Craft | Expected July 2026 |
Read also: Maritime Security Boost: Indian Navy Plans Major Fleet Expansion With 3 Additional Submarines
