India’s MDL Launches Final Nilgiri-class P17A Frigate

India’s MDL Launches Final Nilgiri-class P17A Frigate_
Launch of Mahendragiri, the seventh Stealth Frigate of Project 17A. MDL picture.
India's shipbuilder Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) today launched the seventh and final Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) frigate for the Indian Navy, at its shipyard in Mumbai.
Share

According to an Indian MoD statement:

The Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited has played a pivotal role in contributing to our nation’s maritime capabilities. MDL has consistently demonstrated expertise and technological prowess, in the construction of warships and delivering vessels ranging from patrol boats to stealth frigates. MDL’s contributions have not only enhanced country’s defence capabilities but has also played a significant role in bolstering indigenous manufacture and self-reliance. Following the launch, ‘Mahendragiri’ will join its three sister ships at the Wet Basins of MDL, to progress remaining outfitting activities and equipment trials, in the run up to their delivery and commissioning.

Mahendragiri is the fourth and final Project 17A frigate built by MDL. For the record, the first-in-class ship, Nilgiri , was launched in September 2019 by MDL. The first Project 17A frigate built by GRSE, Himgiri, was launched in December 2020. Seven vessels of the class are planned. Four are being built by MDL and three by GRSE.

About Project 17A / Nilgiri-class frigate

Project 17A Nilgiri-class frigate

The Nilgiri-class frigate or Project 17A is a follow-on of the Project 17 Shivalik-class frigate for the Indian Navy. The frigates are built with extensive use of low-observability technologies, including new radar-absorbing coatings, composite materials and “faceted” shape superstructures.

The ship will be fitted with a 76mm main gun, two 30 mm AK-630M anti-aircraft artillery systems, two torpedo tubes, launchers for eight BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and 32 Barak-8 surface to air missiles. Its main radar will be the MF-STAR by IAI.

Project 17A frigates main characteristics

  • Displacement: 6,670 tons
  • Length: 149 meters
  • Width: 17,8 meters
  • Draft: 5,22 meters
  • Speed: 28 knots
  • Range: 5,500 nautical miles
  • Crew: 226 sailors

Advertisement

Advertisement