DEFENCE

07-Jul-2026
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Project 17A

Context: The Indian Navy will commission its sixth Project 17A indigenous stealth frigate, Mahendragiri (F38), at Visakhapatnam on, 11 July.

About Project 17A

Project 17A (P-17A) is the Indian Navy’s programme to build seven stealth guided-missile frigates, launched in 2019.

- It is the upgraded version of the Project 17 (Shivalik-class) frigates, featuring better stealth, modern weapons, advanced sensors, and improved combat management systems.

The ships are being built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE).

- Construction: 4 ships by MDL and 3 ships by GRSE.

Around 75% of the equipment is sourced from Indian industries, including MSMEs, supporting Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Project 17A ships: INS Nilgiri, INS Udaygiri, INS Himgiri, INS Taragiri, INS Mahendragiri, INS Dunagiri, and INS Vindhyagiri.

Agnipath Scheme

Background: Plan to make 50% to 75% of Agniveers permanent in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

About Agnipath Scheme

A proposal to appoint 50%–75% of Agniveers to permanent service across the three armed forces (Army, Navy, and Air Force) is under consideration.
Under the current Agnipath Scheme rules, a maximum of only 25% of Agniveers are selected for permanent service after completing four years of service.
The objective of this change is to retain the experience of trained soldiers and enhance the operational efficiency of the three armed forces.
The Agnipath Scheme is a military recruitment program launched by the Government of India on June 14, 2022.
Under this scheme, selected candidates known as ‘Agniveers’ are inducted to serve in the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force for a period of four years.
After completing four years of service, up to 25% of Agniveers are selected for permanent service based on merit, medical fitness, and organizational requirements.

Objectives of the Agnipath Scheme

To create a younger military force by lowering the average age of the three armed forces.
To enhance operational readiness through personnel who are physically fit and technically trained.
To reduce the long-term pension and salary burdens on the defense forces.
To groom disciplined, skilled, and trained youth who can contribute to various sectors after their military service.
Strengthening national security through a modern and rapidly responsive armed force.

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