Indian Navy Receives Taragiri, a New Warship Capable of Carrying BrahMos Missiles

Mumbai: The Indian Navy has taken delivery of Taragiri, the fourth ship of the Nilgiri-class (Project 17A), equipped to carry the powerful BrahMos ship-to-ship missile. The vessel was handed over in Mumbai on Friday, marking another major step toward India’s self-reliance in warship design and construction.

Taragiri (Yard 12653) is the third Project 17A ship built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilding Ltd (MDL). The official statement noted that this delivery represents significant progress in indigenous warship-building capabilities.

Project 17A frigates are advanced, multi-mission warships designed to meet both current and future maritime challenges. Taragiri is the fourth such ship delivered to the Indian Navy within the last 11 months. With the experience gained from earlier vessels, MDL reduced Taragiri’s construction time to 81 months—compared to 93 months taken for the first ship, Nilgiri.

The remaining three Project 17A ships—one at MDL and two at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd—are scheduled for progressive delivery by August 2026.

The new Taragiri revives the legacy of the former INS Taragiri, a Leander-class frigate that served the nation for 33 years, from May 16, 1980, to June 27, 2013.

This modern frigate represents a significant technological leap in stealth, firepower, automation, and survivability. Designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and supervised by the Warship Overseeing Team in Mumbai, the P17A ships incorporate cutting-edge features and follow the philosophy of Integrated Construction to ensure timely delivery.

Compared to the earlier Shivalik-class (P17) frigates, the P17A ships carry a superior suite of weapons and sensors. Their Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system includes both diesel engines and gas turbines, each driving a Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP). They also use an advanced Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).

Taragiri’s potent weaponry includes the BrahMos supersonic missile system, MFSTAR radar, MRSAM air-defense system, a 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount, 30mm and 12.7mm close-in weapon systems, and a range of anti-submarine rockets and torpedoes.

The delivery of Taragiri highlights India’s growing strength in naval engineering and shipbuilding, aligning with the Navy’s strong focus on Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance). With 75% indigenous content, the project has engaged over 200 MSMEs and generated employment for roughly 4,000 people directly and over 10,000 indirectly.

With inputs from IANS