Navy's Talwar-class stealth frigate Tarkash launched in Kaliningrad

Indian Navy's stealth frigate Tarkash being launched at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia on June 23, 2010.

The second of the three follow-on Talwar class stealth frigates being built for the Indian Navy by Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad in Russia was launched by Ms Ramma Dewan, wife of Vice-Admiral D K Dewan, the Vice-Chief of Naval Staff, at a ceremony there yesterday.

The ceremony was attended by, amongothers, the Governor of Kaliningrad Region and the Commander-in-Chief of Russia's Baltic Fleet, apart from senior Indian Navy officers posted in Russia.

The frigate, christened Tarkash during the ceremony, belongs to the elite Talwar Class of ships, three of which -- Talwar, Trishul and Tabar -- are already in service with the Navy.

The first follow-on ship, christened Teg, was launched on November 27 last year. These frigates have been constructed to suit the Indian Navy’s specific requirements and are highly potent platforms, an official press release said.

Their mission in Navy spans the entire spectrum of Naval warfare, - air, surface and sub-surface, it said. The ships are capable of operating in blue waters, and are at the forefront of the Indian Navy task forces.

The features of the follow-on ships have been upgraded to a higher level of sophistication with the experience gained by the Navy in operation of the first three ships. Tarkash, which means Quiver, will also carry supersonic Brahmos missile system with vertical launch capability, which is an Indo-Russian joint venture.

True to its name, Tarkash carries cutting edge weaponry which includes advanced surface-to- air missiles, 100 mm caliber guns (artillery), close range guns, torpedos, rocket launchers and associated fire control systems. The ship will also carry one Russian built anti-submarine warfare helicopter Ka-31, the release said.

The ship is powered by four powerful gas turbines, giving it a top speed of 30 knots. The vessel is fitted with state-of-the-art  navigation, communication and electronic warfare equipment. It is also equipped with highly advanced radar and sonar systems for early detection and warning.

Tarkash is scheduled to join the Indian Navy in the second half of 2011, post commissioning in Russia, the release added.

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