Project 17A Stealth Frigate Taragiri (Yard 12653) Launched at MDL, Mumbai

Mumbai. The launch of the third ship of Project 17A, Stealth Frigate Taragiri, on September 11 at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai, marks another milestone in the annals of the indigenous warship design and construction, boosting the nation’s Aatma Nirbhar Bharat and Make in India commitments.

With a launch weight of 2,738 tonnes, the vessel made its first contact with water at 1211 h, signifying its birth during the Launching Ceremony, graced by Vice Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh, FOC-in-C (West), as the Chief Guest. In keeping with maritime traditions, Mrs Charu Singh, President NWWA (Western Region), performed the Naming Ceremony prior the launch.

P17A frigates are ships of the follow-on class of the P17 Frigates (Shivalik Class). They embody improved stealth features and pack the latest weapons and sensors and platform management systems. Under this project, seven P17A frigates also known as the Niligiri Class of ships, are under various stages of construction at MDL and GRSE.      

Project 17A ships feature cutting-edge advanced technology and are comparable to state-of-the-art frigates across the world. They have been designed indigenously by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB), New Delhi. Each ship spans around 149 metres in length and 17.8 metres at beam and displaces about 6,670 tonnes. These ships will be propelled by two diesel and two gas turbines to achieve speeds in excess of 28 knots. They incorporate new design concepts for improved stealth, survivability, sea keeping and ship manoeuvrability. Induction of these ships will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s combat capacity, endurance at sea and firepower to protect national maritime interests.