In what could be seen as a powerful testament to India's journey toward becoming a completely self-reliant naval power, the Indian Navy is set to commission its latest stealth frigate, Taragiri (F41), in a ceremony at Visakhapatnam on April 3, to be presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
A formidable mix of supersonic strike, layered air defence and potent anti-submarine capabilities, INS Taragiri is armed with BrahMos missiles, MRSAM air defence systems, advanced radars, guns, and torpedoes. The stealth frigate is designed to detect, track and neutralise threats across air, surface and underwater domains with precision.
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The weapon and sensors suite comprises BrahMos SSM, Multi-Function Search and Target Acquisition Radar (MFSTAR) and Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) complex, 76mm SRGM (Super Rapid Gun Mount), and a combination of 30 mm and 12.7 mm close-in weapon systems, along with rockets and torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare.
Integrated through an advanced combat management system, these weapons enable rapid, precise response to threats across all domains at sea.
"Driven by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion plant, Taragiri is designed for ‘high-speed – high endurance’ versatility and multi-dimensional maritime operations," the defence ministry said.
The‘Make in India’ push
The fourth potent platform of the Project 17A class, Taragiri is a 6,670-tonne embodiment of the ‘Make in India’ spirit and the sophisticated engineering capabilities of the country's indigenous shipyards, the defence ministry said in a release.
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The ship has over 75 per cent indigenous content.
Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai, the frigate marks a major upgrade over earlier designs, with a sleeker shape and lower radar visibility, allowing it to operate with lethal stealth.
A multi-role frigate
Taragiri, a reincarnation of the erstwhile INS Taragiri, a Leander-class frigate that was part of the Indian Naval fleet from 1980 to 2013, is also a multi-role frigate, with its "flexible mission profile" making it ideal for everything from high-intensity combat to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
"The Indian Navy continues to grow as a combat-ready, cohesive, credible, Aatmanirbhar force, safeguarding the seas for a Viksit, Samriddha Bharat guarded by ships designed by Indians, built by Indians and operated by Indians. Taragiri stands ready for a promising future as a beacon of rising maritime power and an ironclad guardian of our blue frontiers," the ministry added.
