New Delhi, 03 April (H.S.):

After prolonged anticipation, the Indian Navy has inducted the advanced stealth frigate INS Taragiri into its fleet. The commissioning ceremony took place at Visakhapatnam, officiated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. This addition comes at a time when India's eastern seaboard holds growing strategic maritime significance, substantially enhancing surveillance and operational reach in the Indian Ocean Region.

INS Taragiri, the fourth frigate of Project 17A class, weighs 6,670 tonnes and embodies the 'Make in India' initiative through indigenous shipbuilding prowess at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai. Featuring over 75% indigenous content sourced from more than 200 MSMEs, it represents a generational leap in design with a combined diesel or gas (CODOG) propulsion for high-speed, long-endurance multi-dimensional operations.

The frigate boasts a world-class weapon suite, including supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, and a specialized anti-submarine warfare system, all integrated via a cutting-edge Combat Management System for precise threat response. Its stealth profile and flexible mission roles suit it for high-intensity combat as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the Navy's unwavering presence from the Persian Gulf to Malacca Strait, stating, Our Navy leads in evacuations and HADR, symbolizing India's values—INS Taragiri fortifies our strength, commitment, and maritime security beyond coasts to chokepoints and digital infrastructure.

Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi noted 12 ships, one submarine, and an aircraft squadron commissioned since last year, with Taragiri—built 15% faster—symbolizing self-reliance and enhanced operational readiness.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar