Union Defense Minister Rajnath on Saturday said that the Center is investing heavily in advanced defense technology to improve the country’s security capabilities.
Addressing the gathering after inducting the advanced warship INS Mahendragiri into the Indian Navy at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam, he said the commissioning marks an important milestone in Indian military operations. “The ship will significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy,” he said.
The ceremony was held in the presence of senior naval officials and other dignitaries at the naval shipyard in the coastal city.
With a full load displacement of approximately 6,670 tons and a top speed of 28 knots, INS Mahendragiri is a multi-mission stealth frigate capable of undertaking the full range of maritime operations. They include advanced stealth features, improved survivability, reduced radar signature, and a high degree of automation.
The Defense Minister noted that the warship has more than 75% indigenous content, reflecting the growing strength of India’s defense ecosystem. It can be equipped with the BrahMos surface-to-surface missile, which is among the fastest and most lethal cruise missiles in the world. It is also equipped with a multi-functional radar, long-range surface-to-air missile system, local missile launcher, torpedo launcher, integrated anti-submarine defense system, electronic warfare suite and close-in weapons system.
Singh said the frigate can effectively counter air threats, enemy ships on the surface and submarines under the sea. “As a blue water warship, it can protect Indian maritime interests not only near the coast but also in far and deep oceans for weeks at a time,” he said.
Singh said the armed forces have been equipped with artificial intelligence, advanced shipbuilding technology, unmanned aircraft systems and integrated surveillance networks. “These technologies will not only enhance India’s defense preparedness but will also enable the country to provide humanitarian assistance to other countries during natural disasters and emergencies,” he said, adding that India is also developing technologies for fifth-generation aircraft carriers and advanced underwater torpedo systems.
He said that a dedicated maritime development fund has been established as part of the Maritime Vision 2030 initiative to promote the growth of the maritime sector.
“The government is also working to create greater opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups in the shipbuilding industry, with the aim of transforming India into a global hub for shipbuilding and maritime innovation,” he said.
Emphasizing India’s strategic outlook, Singh said the country’s goal is not war, but to promote global peace and stability. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said it showed how India would respond decisively to any threat to its national security.
Singh added that India is working to strengthen maritime partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region and warned that forces acting against India’s interests will receive a befitting response whenever necessary.
Describing Andhra Pradesh as an important new nerve center for the country’s defense infrastructure, Singh said that the state has a strategic role in the air, water, land and unoccupied domain.
“In Puttaparthi, we laid the foundation stone for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Core Integration and Flight Test Center. In Anakapally district, the foundation stone for a new naval systems manufacturing facility for Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) was also laid,” he said.
Similarly, Visakhapatnam has emerged as a major center for maritime security engineering in India. He said efforts are underway to transform Kurnool into one of the leading drone hubs in the country.
Congratulating Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), the Indian Navy, the crew of INS Mahendragiri and the people of the country, Singh said the warship reflects India’s growing defense manufacturing capability and commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
