Amidst the increasing tension between Iran and America, India has further strengthened its maritime power. There has been a major increase in the capability of the Indian Navy with the induction of four state-of-the-art indigenous ships in a single week. Today, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will formally commission the stealth frigate INS Taragiri (F41) in Visakhapatnam. Earlier on March 30-31, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) handed over three more platforms INS Dunagiri, INS Agray and INS Modhik to the Navy.

INS Taragiri (F41)- Stealth Frigate

INS Taragiri is the fourth frigate of Project 17A (Nilgiri-class), built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai. Whose main features are-

• Weight: 6,670 tons
• Length: 149 meters
• Propulsion: CODOG (Diesel and Gas Turbine)
• Stealth Design: low radar detection
• Weapon: BrahMos missile, Barak-8/MRSAM, 76 mm top, AK-630, RBU-6000, Torpedo
• Sensor: MFSTAR Radar, HUMSA-NG Sonar, Shakti EW
• Role: Multi-role warfare on all three fronts, air, surface and submarine, as well as HADR operations

INS Dunagiri- Stealth Frigate

This is the fifth ship of Project 17A, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. Its main features are-

• Stealth and weapon abilities like Taragiri
• BrahMos, MRSAM, MFSTAR radar
• CODOG Propulsion and IPMS System
• Role: Strengthening the Eastern Fleet and deployment in the Indo-Pacific

INS Agray- Anti-Submarine Warfare Ship

INS Agray is the fourth ASW shallow water craft of the Arnala-class. Its main features are-

• Weight: ~900 tons
• motion: 25 knots
• Range: 1,800 nautical miles
• Weapon: Torpedo, RBU-6000, 30mm gun
• Sensor: advanced sonar system
• Role: Detect and destroy submarines in coastal areas

INS Modhik – Survey Vessel

INS Modhik is a state-of-the-art Survey Vessel Large (SVL). Its main features are-

• Weight: 3,400 tons
• Length: 110 meters
• equipment: AUV, ROV, Multi-beam Sonar, Data System
• Range: 6,500 nautical miles
• Role: Making marine maps, measuring depth, and gathering strategic data

Why is this development important?

In view of the increasing tension in the Middle East, especially the Gulf region and the threat to energy supply routes, a strong navy has become extremely important for India. 75-80% indigenous technology has been used in these four ships, which is a big success for self-reliant India and Make in India.

The deployment of these ships will further strengthen India's maritime security, energy supply and strategic hold in the Indian Ocean region. The induction of four state-of-the-art ships in a week can prove to be a game changer for the Indian Navy.