Rolls-Royce powers INS Mahendragiri with four 1 MW generator sets as Navy commissions indigenous stealth frigate
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Rolls-Royce on Monday said its power generation systems have been installed on INS Mahendragiri, the sixth indigenous Nilgiri-class stealth frigate commissioned into the Indian Navy, strengthening its long-standing partnership with India's naval forces.
The warship, commissioned by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, is equipped with four mtu 12V 396 TE54 generator sets from Rolls-Royce, each capable of delivering 1 MW of electrical power to support the vessel's advanced combat systems and operational requirements.
Designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau, INS Mahendragiri has more than 75% indigenous content and features advanced stealth technology, along with modern weapons and sensor systems. The Nilgiri-class frigates are being built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) as part of India's naval modernisation programme.
The commissioning follows the induction of three other naval vessels on June 21, presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Two of those ships—INS Agray and INS Dunagiri—are also powered by Rolls-Royce mtu solutions.
INS Agray, an Arnala-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), is propelled by three mtu 20V 4000 M93L engines, enabling speeds of up to 25 knots and enhanced manoeuvrability in shallow waters. INS Dunagiri, another Nilgiri-class stealth guided missile frigate, is equipped with four mtu 12V 396 TE54 generator sets similar to those installed on INS Mahendragiri.
"Rolls-Royce's relationship with the Indian Navy spans decades, marked by a legacy of trust and collaboration. The commissioning of INS Mahendragiri and the recent induction of INS Agray and INS Dunagiri are significant milestones in our longstanding partnership with the Navy," said Sashi Mukundan, Executive Vice President – Transformation, Rolls-Royce India.
He added that the collaboration reinforces the company's commitment to strengthening India's indigenous defence capabilities and supporting the country's long-term strategic objectives.
G.S. Selwyn, Executive Vice President of Rolls-Royce in India and Managing Director of Rolls-Royce Power Systems India, said the company remains committed to supporting the Indian Navy's operational readiness through reliable power and propulsion solutions. "Our technology is designed to deliver dependable performance and operational assurance, ensuring the Indian Navy is equipped to meet its operational objectives," Selwyn said.
Rolls-Royce said the latest inductions underscore its continued support for India's indigenous shipbuilding programme and maritime defence capabilities through advanced propulsion and power generation technologies.
The company, which has operated in India for 90 years, said more than 1,400 Rolls-Royce engines currently power platforms across the Indian Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, and Army. Its India ecosystem employs over 4,000 people, including around 2,800 engineers working on global development programmes.