Visakhapatnam: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh officially commissioned the indigenously built stealth frigate ‘Taragiri’ into the Indian Navy on Friday, April 3, 2026. The ceremony, held at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, was attended by senior officials from the Eastern Naval Command and marked a significant addition to India’s maritime strength on the eastern seaboard. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) late Thursday, Singh emphasized that the induction of this advanced warship reflects the Navy’s sustained focus on “strengthening combat readiness and operational might” while underscoring the strategic importance of the region.
As the fourth ship under the ambitious Project 17A, the 6,670-tonne ‘Taragiri’ was constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. The frigate features a sophisticated design with a significantly reduced radar cross-section, providing it with advanced stealth capabilities that enhance survivability in contested maritime environments. Powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, the vessel is capable of high-speed maneuvers and extended endurance, making it a versatile asset for a wide range of naval operations.
The commissioning is being hailed as a major victory for the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative, as the warship boasts over 75 percent indigenous content. The project involved a massive domestic supply chain, including more than 200 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), supporting thousands of jobs across the country. Equipped with supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, and a high-tech anti-submarine warfare suite, ‘Taragiri’ is integrated through a modern combat management system designed for rapid response to emerging threats.
Beyond its primary combat role, the frigate is designed for secondary missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), showcasing its flexibility in both peacetime and conflict scenarios. Naval officials stated that the addition of ‘Taragiri’ reinforces the Indian Navy’s status as a “credible and future-ready force” capable of safeguarding national interests across the Indian Ocean Region. The ship will now join the Eastern Fleet, significantly boosting the monitoring and defensive capabilities of the Visakhapatnam-based command.
