The Indian Navy bolstered its maritime strike capabilities on Friday as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned INS Taragiri, the fourth stealth frigate under Project 17 Alpha, at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam.
Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, the Nilgiri-class vessel represents a significant leap in indigenous defence manufacturing, with 75% of its components sourced locally.
Designed for multi-mission versatility, the frigate features advanced stealth technology that significantly reduces its radar and heat signatures. Capt. Hemanth, the ship's Commanding Officer, described the platform as being in a “class of its own,” noting that it can operate within a Carrier Battle Group or lead independent special operations. “We have improved acoustics, so noise is greatly reduced. When it is already very hard to detect a Shivalik-class, it is even more difficult to detect a Nilgiri-class,” he noted.
The ship is a powerhouse of integrated weaponry, featuring MF-STAR radar, BrahMos missiles for surface strikes and MRSAM systems for aerial defence. For sub-surface warfare, it utilizes HUMSA sonar and indigenously built rocket launchers. Powered by a CODOG engine reaching speeds of 30 knots, INS Taragiri is also designed for inclusivity, with facilities ready to accommodate women officers and sailors among its 300-strong crew.