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The launching ceremony was attended by Governer
of Kaliningrad Region, The Commander-in-Chief
of Baltic Fleet of Russian Federation and other
senior dignitaries from the Russian side in addition
to Senior Indian Navy officers posted in Russia.
The frigate, christened Tarkash, or Quiver, during
the ceremony, belongs to the elite Talwar Class
of ships, three of which namely Talwar, Trishul
and Tabar are already in service with the Indian
Navy.
The first follow-on ship, christened Teg, or
Sabre, was launched on 27 Nov 09, and is due for
delivery early next year. The third vessel is
named Trikand, or Bow.
These frigates have been constructed to suit
Indian Navy’s specific requirements and are highly
potent platforms. Their mission spans the entire
spectrum of naval warfare, including Air, Surface
and Sub-surface. 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, received in 2003 and
2004.
Tarkash will carry the Indo-Russian supersonic
Brahmos missile with vertical launch capability.
True to its name, it will also have cutting edge
weaponry including advanced Shtil 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 ship is powered by four powerful Gas Turbines
engines giving it a top speed of 30 knots. The
vessel is fitted with state-of-theart Navigation,
Communication and Electronic Warfare Equipment,
including advanced radar and sonar systems.
Tarkash should join the Indian Navy fleet in
the second half of 2011, post commissioning in
Russia.
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