The reincarnation of the original INS Taragiri, a Leander-class frigate that served from 1980 to 2013, the new Taragiri is a cutting-edge multi-mission warship engineered for surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare. Built under the Indian Navy's flagship P17A program, the ship embodies a generational shift in naval design, with a significantly reduced radar signature, high survivability standards, a network-centric architecture, and robust offensive capabilities.
Structurally optimized for stealth, the Taragiri incorporates an angular superstructure, flush-mounted sensors, and infrared suppression systems to reduce thermal and radar signatures. Below the waterline, a bulbous bow and low-noise propeller system enhance acoustic stealth and hydrodynamic efficiency, essential for submarine evasion and sonar stealth. The hull form is reinforced for high-speed performance and seakeeping, allowing the ship to maintain stability and combat effectiveness in rough sea states.
At the heart of Taragiri's combat capability is an advanced integrated weapons suite. It is armed with the BrahMos supersonic surface-to-surface missile system capable of engaging enemy surface targets at ranges exceeding 290 kilometers with pinpoint accuracy. For air defense, the ship fields the MF-STAR (multi-function surveillance, track, and acquisition radar) paired with the vertical-launch MRSAM (Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile) system, enabling the vessel to intercept aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, and sea-skimming missiles.
Its layered close-in defense system includes a 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) for high-rate fire against air and surface targets, alongside twin 30mm automatic cannons and 12.7mm remote weapon stations for short-range threats. For anti-submarine operations, Taragiri is equipped with dual torpedo launchers, RBU-6000 rocket launchers, and a sophisticated hull-mounted sonar system, providing a potent undersea warfare punch and area denial capability in littoral and open-ocean environments.
The ship's aviation facilities include a flight deck and hangar capable of operating an advanced naval helicopter such as the MH-60R or the indigenous HAL Dhruv. These airborne assets significantly enhance the ship's surveillance reach, anti-submarine operations, and over-the-horizon targeting capability. Furthermore, the Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) enables real-time diagnostics, automated power distribution, and damage-control management, enhancing survivability under combat conditions.
Driven by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, the Taragiri can sustain cruising speeds on diesel power and rapidly transition to high-speed sprint modes using gas turbines. This propulsion flexibility ensures efficient long-range patrols while allowing quick maneuvering during combat. The ship's endurance exceeds 5,500 nautical miles, allowing extended deployments across the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.
Mission-wise, Taragiri is configured to support a wide spectrum of operations, from high-intensity naval combat to peacetime maritime security missions such as anti-piracy, coastal surveillance, convoy escort, and humanitarian assistance or disaster relief. The ship is also expected to participate in multilateral naval exercises and strategic patrols, reinforcing India's diplomatic presence and military cooperation across the Indo-Pacific theater.
The Taragiri is the fourth of seven P17A frigates, following INS Nilgiri, INS Himgiri, and INS Udaygiri. Its compressed build time of 81 months, down from 93 months for the lead ship, is credited to lessons learned from earlier vessels and more efficient integration practices. The remaining three ships, one at MDL and two at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), are on track for delivery by August 2026.
With over 75 percent indigenous content, the delivery of Taragiri is a strong declaration of India's industrial maturity and defense capability. The ship's entry into service will boost the Navy's capacity to deter aggression, control key sea lanes, and project power into contested maritime zones, further solidifying India's status as a regional security provider in the dynamic Indo-Pacific.
Written by Alain Servaes - Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.