The recent launch of Taragiri by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), a company under the Ministry of Defence, has made headlines. This third stealth frigate is part of the Indian Navy’s Project 17A for constructing stealth guided-missile frigates.
Understanding Project 17A
Project 17 Alpha frigates (P-17A) was introduced by the Indian Navy in 2019, marking a milestone in their journey towards modernizing and strengthening naval forces. These frigates are jointly built by two companies, namely, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE).
Stealth design is employed in building these frigates, making them low-observable and thus, hard to spot or detect by enemies. The use of radar-absorbent coatings and technology reducing the infrared signals of the ship contribute significantly to this stealth feature. The first stealth ship launched under Project 17A, Nilgiri, took to the waters in 2019 followed by Udaygiri in May 2022, with the latter slated for commissioning in 2024.
Current Progress of Project 17A
At present, seven P17A Frigates are in varying stages of construction across MDL and GRSE facilities. These projects not only enhance naval capabilities but also stimulate economic development and employment generation within Indian Shipyards and their associated industries.
Project 17A has triggered an unprecedented wave of indigenization with approximately 75% of the project orders placed with indigenous firms, including MSMEs, bolstering the country’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat ambition. Indeed, the indigenous construction of complex frontline ships like Stealth Frigates has propelled India’s global standing in shipbuilding.
Key Features of Taragiri
The third ship in this series, Taragiri, derives its name from a Himalayan range located in Garhwal. Unlike its predecessors, Taragiri is built using an integrated construction methodology that permits hull block construction in different locations.
The ship boasts of state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, an advanced information system, innovative modular living spaces, a modern power distribution system, and numerous other sophisticated features. Its defensive abilities, designed to counteract enemy aircraft and anti-ship cruise missiles, hinge on the vertical launch and long-range surface-to-air missile system.
About INS Astradharini
INS Astradharini was in the news recently and has been in the focus of UPSC Civil Services Examination as well. This indigenously built Torpedo Launch and Recovery Vessel was commissioned in October 2015, replacing the decommissioned Astravahini.
The design of Astradharini, a unique catamaran hull form, stems from the collaboration of Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Shoft Shipyard, and IIT Kharagpur. The specific design allows for decreased power requirements and hands it the ability to operate at high sea states.
Equipped with modern power generation, distribution, navigation, and communication systems, the ship demonstrates the Indian Navy’s continued commitment to the ‘Make in India’ philosophy with 95% indigenous systems onboard. The vessel is primarily used to conduct technical trials of underwater weapons and systems developed by NSTL, a naval systems laboratory of DRDO.