Forest Services
Introduction: Commissioning of INS Taragiri
The Indian Navy commissioned its latest stealth frigate, INS Taragiri, on March 15, 2024, at Visakhapatnam, the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command. Constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), this vessel is the seventh ship in the stealth frigate class, designed and integrated with advanced indigenous stealth technology by the Directorate of Naval Design (DND). Equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Barak 8 surface-to-air missiles, INS Taragiri displaces approximately 6,670 tonnes and can reach speeds up to 28 knots, marking a significant upgrade in India’s maritime combat capabilities (Indian Navy press release, 2024; PIB, 2024).
The commissioning reflects India’s strategic emphasis on self-reliance in defense manufacturing, aligning with the Defence Production Policy 2018 and the Make in India initiative. It enhances India’s ability to project power in the Indo-Pacific region while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
UPSC Relevance
- GS Paper 3: Defence - Indigenous defense manufacturing, naval modernization, Make in India initiative
- GS Paper 2: Polity - Constitutional provisions on defense (Article 246, Union List Entry 11)
- GS Paper 3: Economy - Defense budget allocation, economic impact of indigenous shipbuilding
- Essay: Strategic autonomy and India’s maritime security in the Indo-Pacific
Constitutional and Legal Framework Governing Naval Shipbuilding
Defense falls under the Union List (Entry 11) as per Article 246 of the Constitution, empowering Parliament to legislate on naval matters. The Navy Act, 1957 governs the Indian Navy’s operations and administration. Acquisition and procurement of naval vessels are regulated by the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2020, which emphasizes indigenous content and technology transfer.
- Defence Production Policy 2018 targets increasing domestic defense manufacturing to 70% by 2030.
- MDL, a public sector shipyard, operates under the Ministry of Defence, responsible for construction and delivery of warships like INS Taragiri.
- DRDO supports technology development and integration of advanced systems such as stealth features and missile systems.
Technological and Operational Features of INS Taragiri
INS Taragiri incorporates cutting-edge stealth technology that reduces its radar cross-section by over 50%, enhancing survivability in hostile environments (Indian Navy press release, 2024). The frigate’s displacement of 6,670 tonnes and maximum speed of 28 knots enable multi-role operations including anti-submarine warfare, anti-aircraft defense, and surface combat.
- Weaponry includes BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, capable of precision strikes at long range, and Barak 8 surface-to-air missiles for layered air defense.
- Over 75% of the ship’s components and systems are indigenously developed, reflecting a leap in self-reliance (MoD Annual Report 2023).
- Advanced electronic warfare suites, sonar systems, and integrated communication networks enhance situational awareness and combat effectiveness.
Economic Impact and Defense Budget Allocation
The Indian Navy’s budget for 2023-24 stood at approximately ₹1.4 lakh crore (~$18.5 billion), reflecting increased allocation for modernization (Union Budget 2023-24). Indigenous warship construction accounts for over 70% of the naval shipbuilding value chain, supporting around 50,000 direct and indirect jobs (MoD report 2023).
- The Make in India initiative aims to raise domestic defense manufacturing from 25% to 70% by 2030, potentially saving billions of dollars in foreign exchange.
- MDL’s role in building INS Taragiri exemplifies the economic multiplier effect of defense shipbuilding on ancillary industries and skilled employment.
- India’s naval shipbuilding industry has grown at a CAGR of 12% over the past five years, driven by government policy and increased defense spending (FICCI Defence Report 2023).
Key Institutions Involved in INS Taragiri’s Development
| Institution | Role | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Navy (IN) | Operator and end-user | Commissioning, operational deployment, and tactical integration |
| Ministry of Defence (MoD) | Policy formulation and procurement oversight | Budget allocation, procurement guidelines under DPP 2020 |
| Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) | Shipbuilding yard | Construction and assembly of INS Taragiri |
| Directorate of Naval Design (DND) | Warship design | Stealth technology integration and overall ship design |
| Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) | Technology provider | Advanced systems, missile integration, and electronic warfare suites |
Comparative Analysis: INS Taragiri vs China’s Type 054A Frigate
| Feature | INS Taragiri (India) | Type 054A (China) |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 6,670 tonnes | ~4,000 tonnes |
| Commissioned | 2024 | 2008 |
| Missile Systems | BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Barak 8 SAM | YJ-83 anti-ship missiles, HQ-16 SAM |
| Stealth Features | Radar cross-section reduced by 50% | Stealth design but lesser radar reduction compared to INS Taragiri |
| Role | Multi-role: anti-submarine, anti-air, surface warfare | Multi-role but primarily anti-submarine and surface warfare |
Challenges and Critical Gaps in Indigenous Naval Shipbuilding
Despite technological progress, India’s naval shipbuilding faces supply chain fragmentation and bureaucratic delays in procurement, slowing production cycles. In contrast, China’s state-owned enterprise model enables faster decision-making, streamlined production, and rapid technology upgrades (FICCI Defence Report 2023).
- Delays in component delivery and integration impact timelines and cost overruns.
- Dependency on select foreign suppliers for niche technologies persists despite high indigenous content.
- Need for enhanced coordination between MoD, shipyards, and DRDO to optimize R&D and production.
Significance and Way Forward
- INS Taragiri’s commissioning strengthens India’s strategic maritime posture in the Indo-Pacific, a region critical for trade and security.
- High indigenous content aligns with government objectives to reduce import dependence and enhance strategic autonomy.
- Improving procurement efficiency and supply chain integration will accelerate future shipbuilding programs.
- Investment in advanced stealth and missile technologies will ensure India remains competitive against regional naval powers.
- Expansion of skilled workforce and infrastructure at shipyards like MDL is essential for sustaining growth.
- INS Taragiri is the first stealth frigate commissioned by the Indian Navy under the Make in India initiative.
- The ship is equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Barak 8 surface-to-air missiles.
- INS Taragiri has a displacement of approximately 6,670 tonnes and can reach speeds up to 28 knots.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
- It aims to increase domestic defense manufacturing to 70% by 2030.
- The policy mandates 100% indigenous content for all defense procurements.
- It supports the Make in India initiative to reduce import dependence.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
What is the displacement and speed of INS Taragiri?
INS Taragiri has a displacement of approximately 6,670 tonnes and can achieve speeds up to 28 knots, enabling multi-role naval operations (PIB, 2024).
Which missile systems are equipped on INS Taragiri?
INS Taragiri is equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for precision strike and Barak 8 surface-to-air missiles for air defense (Indian Navy official specs, 2024).
What percentage of INS Taragiri’s components are indigenously developed?
Over 75% of INS Taragiri’s components and systems are indigenously developed, marking a significant step towards self-reliance (MoD Annual Report 2023).
Under which legal provisions does Parliament legislate on defense matters?
Parliament legislates on defense under Article 246 of the Constitution and Entry 11 of the Union List, which covers defense including naval forces.
How does INS Taragiri compare with China’s Type 054A frigate?
INS Taragiri has a larger displacement (6,670 tonnes vs. ~4,000 tonnes), more advanced indigenous missile systems (BrahMos and Barak 8 vs. YJ-83 and HQ-16), and superior stealth features, reflecting India’s growing naval capabilities (FICCI Defence Report 2023).
About LearnPro Editorial Standards
LearnPro editorial content is researched and reviewed by subject matter experts with backgrounds in civil services preparation. Our articles draw from official government sources, NCERT textbooks, standard reference materials, and reputed publications including The Hindu, Indian Express, and PIB.
Content is regularly updated to reflect the latest syllabus changes, exam patterns, and current developments. For corrections or feedback, contact us at admin@learnpro.in.