INS Taragiri (F41), the fourth Nilgiri-class stealth frigate under Project 17A, is scheduled for commissioning on 3 April 2026. Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Taragiri follows INS Nilgiri, INS Himgiri and INS Udaygiri in the class. The ship embodies advanced stealth design and multi-mission capabilities, including surface warfare, air defence and anti-submarine operations. Taragiri’s delivery underscores India’s push to expand indigenous shipbuilding and enhance maritime deterrence in the Indian Ocean region. Sea trials were completed late 2025, with formal commissioning planned in early April 2026.
Taragiri is the fourth Nilgiri-class frigate under Project 17A.
Commissioning planned for 3 April 2026; built by MDL.
Follows Nilgiri, Himgiri and Udaygiri in the class.
Features advanced stealth and multi-mission capabilities.
Reflects India’s focus on indigenous shipbuilding and deterrence.
Mar 21, 2026
Exercise Amogh Jwala demonstrates Indian Army combat readiness
Exercise Amogh Jwala, conducted by the Indian Army’s Southern Command at the Babina Field Firing Ranges, showcased high readiness in mechanised warfare. The drill featured integrated operations across land, air, and technology-driven assets, underscoring advances in multi-domain warfare. Attacks involved attack helicopters, fighter aircraft, drones, and counter-drone systems, with real-time surveillance and target acquisition enabled by data links. The exercise highlighted Electronic Warfare, Air Defence, and night-fighting capabilities, illustrating a shift toward a network-centric force. Participants demonstrated synchronized maneuvers, precision strikes, and rapid decision-making, reaffirming readiness for contemporary security scenarios; the drill also tested interoperability with allied units and civilian agencies.
Location: Babina Field Firing Ranges
Showcased multi-domain warfare with land, air, and tech assets
Assets included helicopters, fighters, drones, counter-drone systems
Emphasis on EW, Air Defence, and night-fighting capabilities
Interoperability with allied units and civilian agencies tested
Mar 19, 2026
Indian Navy launches IOS SAGAR Initiative 2026
The Indian Navy launched the second edition of the IOS SAGAR initiative on 16 March 2026. The programme brings together sixteen member nations to strengthen maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. IOS SAGAR aligns with India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision and supports the expanded MAHASAGAR framework for maritime security. The initiative provides an operational platform for joint exercises, information sharing, and capacity building in regional waters. It highlights India's active role in regional defense and broader maritime partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, reinforcing cooperation with partner navies and international organizations.
Second edition launched on 16 March 2026
Sixteen member nations involved
Aligns with SAGAR and MAHASAGAR
Platform for joint exercises and information sharing
Enhances regional maritime security and cooperation
Mar 14, 2026
Mock Drill Sagar Kavach Conducted Along Mahe and Kerala Coasts
A coastal security exercise named ‘Sagar Kavach’ is being conducted along the Mahe and Kerala coasts. The drill involves the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Coastal Police, and Local Police, coordinated with Fisheries and Administrative Departments. The objective is to strengthen national security and safeguard India’s coastline from potential threats. The exercise, scheduled to conclude tomorrow, includes surveillance, rapid response, and inter‑agency communication drills. Coastal Vigilance Committees, including fishermen, are urged to report any suspicious activity via police channels or the toll‑free helpline 1093. This drill underscores ongoing efforts to protect maritime borders and coastal communities.
Event: Sagar Kavach mock drill; location: Mahe and Kerala coasts.
Participants: Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Coastal Police, Local Police.
Purpose: strengthen coastal security and maritime safety.
Timeline: ongoing; conclusion expected tomorrow.
Public guidance: report suspicious activity via 1093.
Mar 13, 2026
India builds first Autonomous Maritime Shipbuilding Centre in Andhra Pradesh
India advances its defence manufacturing with the foundation of the world’s first Autonomous Maritime Shipbuilding and Systems Centre in Andhra Pradesh. The facility will be developed by Mumbai-based Sagar Defence Engineering at the Juvvaladinne fishing harbour in Nellore district, marking a milestone in indigenous maritime technology. The Andhra Pradesh government has allocated 29.58 acres of land to the project, which offers direct sea access for construction, launch, testing and deployment of vessels. Officials expect the centre to boost domestic defence production, enhance maritime innovation and strengthen the state’s coastal manufacturing ecosystem through high-end engineering capabilities.