India inducts new warship capable of carrying supersonic BrahMos missiles

India inducted the indigenously built stealth frigate INS Mahendragiri into its eastern naval fleet today (11 July), with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh saying the warship can be equipped with the supersonic BrahMos cruise missile, one of the world's fastest and most lethal weapon systems.

The induction ceremony took place in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, where the defence minister described the advanced frigate as a major boost to India's maritime capabilities.

"INS Mahendragiri can be equipped with the BrahMos surface-to-surface missile, one of the world's fastest and most lethal cruise missiles," he said.

The minister added that the warship features a multifunction radar integrated with medium-range surface-to-air missiles capable of detecting and neutralising aerial threats at extended ranges.

Its weapons package also includes indigenous rocket launchers, torpedo launchers, an integrated anti-submarine defence system, an electronic warfare suite and a close-in weapon system.

Rajnath said the frigate would strengthen India's ability to safeguard its maritime interests both along its coastline and across the deep oceans.

Highlighting the changing nature of warfare, he said emerging technologies such as drones, artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, space-based capabilities, hypersonic weapons and unmanned systems are reshaping modern conflicts.

However, he stressed that conventional military strength remains the foundation of an effective defence.

"Future wars may be fought with Artificial Intelligence, but they will still be won by national resolve, trained soldiers and credible military power," Rajnath said, adding that advanced technologies and conventional platforms complement rather than replace each other.

INS Mahendragiri is the sixth indigenous stealth frigate inducted into the Indian Navy in the past 18 months. The first vessel of the class, INS Nilgiri, was commissioned in January 2025.

Designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai, the frigate is capable of carrying out a wide range of maritime missions, including fleet air defence, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, maritime interdiction and surveillance.

With more than 75% indigenous content, the warship is also equipped with an embarked multi-role helicopter, advanced stealth features, modern sensors, network-centric combat systems and state-of-the-art weapon systems, further strengthening India's domestically developed naval capabilities.