INS Tarkash, the second of the three follow-on Talwar-class stealth frigates, has been launched from a shipyard in Russia and will soon undergo sea trials.
The launch ceremony at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad was performed yesterday by Ramma Dewan, wife of Indian Navy vice chief Vice Admiral DK Dewan.
It was attended among others by the Kaliningrad Region governor and the Russian Federation Baltic Fleet chief, a Navy press release said here today.
Now, the warship will be fitted with all heavy equipment including its weaponry before it is taken out for sea trials later this year.
The frigate belongs to the elite Talwar class of warships, three of which Talwar, Trishul and Tabar are already in service with the Indian Navy.
The first of the follow-on warships, christened 'Teg', was launched on November 27 last year.
Tarkash is scheduled to join the Indian Navy in the second half of 2011, after commissioning in Russia.
These frigates have been constructed to suit Indian Navy's specific requirements and are highly potent platforms, the release said.
Their mission in Navy would span the entire spectrum of naval warfare -- air, surface and sub-surface.
The warships are capable of operating in blue waters and are at the forefront of the Indian Navy's task forces.
The features of the follow-on warships have been upgraded with a higher level of sophistication on the basis of Indian Navy's experience gained by operating the first three ships of this class, it said.
Tarkash, meaning 'Quiver', would carry supersonic BrahMos missile system, an Indo-Russian joint venture, with vertical launch capability.
The warship would be armed with cutting edge weaponry including advanced surface-to-air missiles, 100mm caliber artillery guns, close range guns, torpedos, rocket launchers and associated fire control systems.
The ship has the capacity to carry a Russian-built Anti-Submarine Warfare helicopter Ka-31 on board.
Powered by four powerful gas turbines, the warship can touch 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.
