Indian Navy Commissions Stealth Frigate INS Taragiri

INS Taragiri was commissioned into the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam on three April 2026 in the presence of Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and senior defence officials. The frigate is the fourth platform of the Project 17A class, designed by the Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited with support from Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The vessel has a displacement of 6,670 t and employs advanced stealth technologies to reduce radar signature for multi role operations.

With more than 75 per cent indigenous content and construction completed in reduced timelines, the ship was presented as a milestone in national shipbuilding and private collaboration. It is equipped with modern radar, sonar and missile systems, including supersonic surface to surface missiles and medium range surface to air missiles enhancing its combat capabilities. The platform is designed for high speed transit and deployments, enabling anti piracy, coastal surveillance, anti submarine warfare and humanitarian assistance missions.

Raksha Mantri observed that India has a coastline of 11,000 kilometres and that about 95 per cent of the country's trade moves by sea, making maritime security integral to development. He said the Navy maintains presence across the Indian Ocean Region to protect sensitive points and ensure smooth flow of goods, intervening when tensions endanger vessels and oil tankers. He urged protection of critical sea lanes, choke points and undersea digital infrastructure.

Raksha Mantri praised Mazagon Dock and other Defence Public Sector Undertakings for advancing defence manufacturing, noting exports reached Rs 384,240 mn in Financial Year 2025-26 from Rs 12,000 mn 13 years earlier. He said the Government treats defence self reliance as a national mission, with industry contributing across design, development and deployment. The commissioning saw breaking of the pennant and maiden hoisting of the National Flag as INS Taragiri joined Eastern Fleet.

Related Stories