Visakhapatnam, Apr 3 (TNT) : India on Friday commissioned its latest stealth frigate, INS Taragiri, into the Indian Navy, significantly boosting its maritime combat capabilities and indigenous defence manufacturing strength.
The warship, the fourth under the advanced Project 17A class, was commissioned in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Visakhapatnam.
Designed by the Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited with support from MSMEs, the 6,670-tonne frigate incorporates over 75 percent indigenous content and cutting-edge stealth features that significantly reduce radar signature.
Equipped with advanced radar, sonar and missile systems, including BrahMos and surface-to-air missiles, the vessel is capable of multi-role operations such as high-intensity combat, anti-submarine warfare, maritime security, anti-piracy missions and humanitarian assistance.
Describing the induction as a major milestone, the Defence Minister said the warship reflects India’s growing technological prowess, self-reliance and commitment to safeguarding national interests.
He emphasised that nearly 95 percent of India’s trade is conducted via maritime routes, making a strong Navy an absolute necessity.
He also highlighted the Navy’s critical role in securing sea lanes, choke points and undersea digital infrastructure, asserting that India continues to maintain a strong presence across the Indian Ocean Region to ensure safe global trade.
The commissioning of INS Taragiri is expected to enhance India’s operational readiness and reinforce its position as a responsible and formidable maritime power amid evolving geopolitical challenges.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi highlighted INS Taragiri’s rich legacy, recalling the erstwhile Leander-class frigate commissioned in 1980, which played a pioneering role in advancing India’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities and operational innovation.
Reflecting on the evolving maritime security environment, he underscored the growing complexities of the Indian Ocean Region, shaped by dynamic geopolitics, emerging technologies, and non-traditional threats.
The CNS emphasised the Navy’s commitment to remaining a combat-ready, credible, cohesive, and future-ready force to safeguard national maritime interests, anytime, anywhere, anyhow.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan; Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla; CMD, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited Captain Jagmohan (Retd) were among those present during the commissioning
TNT KM
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