New Delhi: To add more strength to its growing naval fleet Indian Navy is set to commission its latest stealth frigate, INS Taragiri, on April 3.“As the fourth powerful platform of the Project 17A class, Taragiri is not just a ship; it is the 6,670-ton embodiment of ‘Make in India“The spirit and sophisticated engineering capabilities of our indigenous shipyards,” the Navy said in a statement.The ceremony, to be presided over by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh in Visakhapatnam, will serve as a testament to the country’s journey towards becoming a fully self-reliant naval power. Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), INS Taragiri represents a generational leap over earlier designs, offering a sleek form and significantly reduced radar cross-section that allows it to operate with lethal stealth.The warship, delivered by MDL on November 28 last year, replaces the older Leander class ship of the same name, which served from 1980 to 2013. Construction of the ship was completed in 81 months, indicating improved efficiency.The ship’s weapons suite is world-class, including supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles and a specialized anti-submarine warfare suite. These systems are seamlessly integrated through a state-of-the-art battle management system, ensuring that the crew can respond to threats with moment-to-moment precision.With its indigenous content of over 75%, the ship highlights the maturity of the domestic industrial ecosystem which now comprises over 200 MSMEs, contributing to the self-reliance initiative of the government.Powered by combined diesel or gas propulsion plant, INS Taragiri is designed for ‘high speed – high endurance’ versatility and multi-dimensional maritime operations.Beyond its role as a head hunter, Taragiri has been adapted to the complexities of modern diplomatic and humanitarian crises. Its flexible mission profile makes it ideal for everything from high-intensity warfare to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.Amid tensions in the Indian Ocean region due to the ongoing conflict in the Gulf, INS Taragiri is expected to strengthen India’s maritime strike capability and regional defence. With the growing presence of the Chinese Navy in the Indian Ocean, India’s new stealth frigate will also add strength to the navy’s combat fleet.