Context:
The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Taragiri (F41), a stealth frigate under Project 17A, marking progress in indigenous defence capability.
Key Highlights:
- Defence Initiative & Indigenous Development
- Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL).
- Features 75% indigenous content with participation of 200+ MSMEs.
- Technical Features
- Stealth Technology: Reduced radar detectability (low RCS).
- Displacement: ~6,670 tonnes for multi-role operations.
- Propulsion (CODOG): Diesel + gas turbine combination.
- Combat Capabilities
- Equipped with:
- Supersonic anti-ship missiles
- Air defence systems
- Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) systems
- Integrated Combat Management System for real-time operations.
- Operational Roles
- Surface, air, and sub-surface warfare.
- Escort, surveillance, and HADR missions.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Project 17A: Advanced stealth frigate program of Indian Navy.
- CODOG: Combined Diesel or Gas propulsion system.
- RCS (Radar Cross Section): Measure of detectability by radar.
- MDL: Key shipbuilding PSU in India.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Maritime Security:
- Strengthens India’s presence in Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Aatmanirbhar Bharat:
- Boosts indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem.
- Strategic Importance:
- Counters growing naval presence of China in IOR.
- Economic Impact:
- Promotes MSMEs and defence industrial base.
- Way Forward
- Continue investment in indigenous shipbuilding and R&D.
- Strengthen naval partnerships and joint exercises.
- Enhance blue-water navy capabilities.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS 3: Security, Defence Technology
- GS 2: International Relations