Taragiri (Yard 12653), the fourth Nilgiri-class frigate under Project 17A and the third constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilding Ltd (MDL), was handed over to the Indian Navy in Mumbai on November 28. The Ministry of Defence stated that the Project 17A frigates are advanced, multi-role warships built to meet both present and future maritime challenges.

This new Taragiri carries forward the legacy of the previous INS Taragiri, a Leander-class frigate that served the Navy from May 16, 1980, to June 27, 2013. The modern vessel represents a significant upgrade in design, stealth, firepower, automation, and survivability, embodying India’s push for self-reliance in warship development.

Designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and supervised by the Warship Overseeing Team (Mumbai), the Project 17A ships reflect a major technological leap in indigenous naval engineering. Built using Integrated Construction principles, the ship was completed within the planned schedule.

Compared to the earlier Project 17 (Shivalik-class), the P17A frigates feature more sophisticated weapons and sensors. They are powered by CODOG propulsion systems combining diesel engines and gas turbines, each driving a Controllable Pitch Propeller, and are supported by a modern Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS). The ship’s powerful combat suite includes BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, the MFSTAR–MRSAM air defence system, a 76 mm Super Rapid Gun Mount, and multiple close-in weapon systems, along with anti-submarine rockets and torpedoes.

Taragiri is the fourth Project 17A frigate delivered to the Navy in just 11 months. With the experience gained from the first two ships, its construction timeline was reduced to 81 months, compared to 93 months for the lead ship Nilgiri. The remaining three frigates (one at MDL and two at GRSE) are scheduled for delivery by August 2026.

The ship’s completion highlights India’s growing capability in warship design and construction, aligned with the Navy’s continued emphasis on Aatmanirbharta. With 75% indigenous content, the project involved over 200 MSMEs, generating employment for around 4,000 direct and over 10,000 indirect workers.