Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday commissioned the advanced stealth frigate INS Taragiri into the Indian Navy, marking a significant step in strengthening India’s maritime capabilities and indigenous defence production.The commissioning ceremony was attended by Navy chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan and other senior officials.
INS Taragiri is the fourth stealth frigate under the Navy’s Project 17A programme and has been built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. The 6,670-tonne warship features over 75 per cent indigenous content, reflecting India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.“As the fourth potent platform of the Project 17A class, Taragiri is not merely a ship; it is a 6,670-tonne embodiment of the ‘Make in India’ spirit and the sophisticated engineering capabilities of our indigenous shipyards,” the Navy said in a statement.The vessel replaces an earlier Leander-class frigate of the same name that served the Navy from 1980 to 2013, marking a generational upgrade in design and capability.Designed with a significantly reduced radar cross-section, INS Taragiri can operate with enhanced stealth in high-threat environments. The warship is powered by a combined diesel or gas propulsion system, enabling high-speed and long-endurance operations.Its weapon suite includes supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles and an advanced anti-submarine warfare system. These are integrated through a modern combat management system for rapid response during operations.The ship is also equipped with advanced indigenous sonar systems and is capable of multi-domain warfare, including anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine missions.The commissioning comes at a time when the strategic importance of India’s eastern seaboard and the wider Indo-Pacific region is increasing. The Indian Navy has been focusing on fleet expansion and modernisation to address evolving regional security challenges.INS Taragiri is expected to strengthen India’s operational posture in the Indian Ocean Region, particularly amid growing geopolitical tensions and increased naval activity.Apart from combat operations, the frigate is designed for a wide range of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.Its flexible operational profile allows it to be deployed for high-intensity warfare as well as diplomatic and emergency response roles, enhancing the Navy’s versatility.The induction of INS Taragiri reflects the Indian Navy’s continued efforts to build a combat-ready, technologically advanced and self-reliant force.With its advanced systems, indigenous design and enhanced firepower, the warship is expected to play a key role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests and strengthening its presence in strategic waters.
