India’s P17A Milestone: Taragiri Joins Navy, Boosting Indigenous Naval Power

The newly built Taragiri inherits the legacy of the erstwhile INS Taragiri, a Leander-class frigate that served from 16 May 1980 to 27 June 2013, completing an illustrious 33-year tenure.

In a significant stride toward strengthening India's maritime security and self-reliance in defence production, Taragiri (Yard 12653) — the fourth vessel of the advanced Nilgiri-class frigates under Project 17A — was formally handed over to the Indian Navy on 28 November 2025 at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai. As the third P17A frigate built by MDL, Taragiri's delivery stands as a testament to the nation's accelerating capabilities in indigenous warship design, engineering, and construction.

Project 17A represents one of India's most ambitious naval shipbuilding initiatives, aimed at developing a newer generation of multi-role stealth frigates equipped to counter evolving threats across air, surface, and underwater domains. The successful construction of Taragiri underscores the growing synergy between Indian industry, defence R&D, public sector shipyards, and the Navy's Warship Design Bureau (WDB).

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A Proud Legacy Reborn: The Return of Taragiri

The newly built Taragiri inherits the legacy of the erstwhile INS Taragiri, a Leander-class frigate that served from 16 May 1980 to 27 June 2013, completing an illustrious 33-year tenure. The revival of the name reflects the Navy's tradition of honouring platforms that served with distinction, while integrating cutting-edge technologies to meet modern maritime challenges.

The reincarnated Taragiri embodies a major technological leap — merging advanced stealth features, powerful strike capability, high survivability, and next-generation systems automation. She emerges as a strong symbol of India's Aatmanirbharta movement in defence.

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Cutting-Edge Design and Construction Excellence

Designed entirely by the Warship Design Bureau, India's in-house centre for naval architecture, the P17A ships showcase a generational advance over the earlier Shivalik-class (P17). Construction was overseen by the Warship Overseeing Team (Mumbai), ensuring adherence to quality, systems integration, and project timelines.

Key Design Innovations Include:

• Stealth-optimized hull and superstructure, reducing radar cross-section

• Enhanced automation, enabling superior damage control, operational efficiency, and platform management

• Improved survivability through compartmentalized construction and high-strength materials

• Integrated Construction Methodology, reducing build time despite increased complexity

• High indigenous content (75%), involving Indian MSMEs, defence PSUs, and private partners

The integration of modular construction and advanced digital design tools enabled Taragiri to be completed in 81 months, significantly faster than the 93 months required for the first ship of the class, INS Nilgiri.

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Powerful Propulsion and Advanced Combat Suite

Taragiri is equipped with a sophisticated Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, consisting of:

• A high-performance gas turbine

• A powerful diesel engine

• Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) on both shafts

This configuration ensures high-speed sprints, efficient cruising, extended endurance, and agile manoeuvrability — critical for multi-role naval operations.

Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS)

This advanced digital control suite centralizes monitoring and management of all engineering and auxiliary systems, enabling quick fault detection, reduced crew workload, and real-time response to operational needs.

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A Potent Arsenal: Weapons and Sensors of the Future

Project 17A frigates, including Taragiri, carry a formidable array of weapons and sensors designed to counter full-spectrum threats.

Major Combat Systems Onboard:

• BrahMos Supersonic Surface-to-Surface Missiles for long-range precision strike

• MFSTAR (Multi-Function Surveillance and Threat Alert Radar), one of the most advanced AESA radars in the world

• MRSAM (Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile) system, co-developed with Israel

• 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) for surface and aerial engagements

• 30mm and 12.7mm Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) for last-ditch anti-missile defence

• Anti-Submarine Warfare suite, including torpedoes and anti-submarine rocket systems

Together, these systems provide unmatched capability in anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare — making Taragiri a true multi-mission platform.

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Accelerated Shipbuilding: A Testament to Growing Capability

Taragiri is the fourth P17A frigate delivered in just 11 months, reflecting a dramatic improvement in India's naval shipbuilding ecosystem. The experience and learnings from the first two ships significantly compressed production timelines.

With three more ships under construction — one at MDL and two at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) — the remaining vessels are scheduled for phased delivery by August 2026.

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A National Enterprise Supporting Thousands of Workers

Project 17A is not merely a defence initiative but a nationwide industrial collaboration. With 75% indigenous content, the project has involved:

• Over 200 MSMEs supplying critical components

• Approximately 4,000 direct jobs

• Over 10,000 indirect employment opportunities

The project strengthens domestic manufacturing, fosters specialised skill development, and supports India's long-term strategic and economic goals.

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A Major Milestone in India's Journey Toward Maritime Self-Reliance

The delivery of Taragiri stands as a landmark achievement in India's pursuit of self-reliance in defence manufacturing. It demonstrates the country's ability to conceptualize, design, construct, and integrate complex frontline warships that meet global standards.

With advanced stealth features, superior combat systems, and modern naval architecture, Taragiri will significantly bolster the Indian Navy's operational readiness and contribute to securing national interests across the Indo-Pacific region.