Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) launched the first indigenously-built Talwar class frigate, ‘Triput’, on Tuesday, 23 July.
Recent Developments with Russia
This launch follows reports of Russia preparing to deliver the first frigate of this class, ‘Tushil’, to the Indian Navy in September this year. The second frigate, ‘Tamal’, is scheduled for delivery by February 2025.
India-Russia Stealth Frigates Deal
In October 2016, India and Russia signed a deal to acquire four stealth frigates of the Admiral Grigorovich class (also known as Project 1135.6 class). According to the deal:
- ‘Tushil’ and ‘Tamal’ will be directly imported from Russia.
- The remaining two frigates will be built in India by GSL through a transfer of technology (ToT).
Introduction of ‘Triput’
‘Triput’ is the first ship built by GSL under the ToT agreement.
Indian Navy’s Existing Talwar Class Frigates
The Indian Navy already operates six ships of the Talwar class:
- INS Talwar
- INS Trishul
- INS Tabar
- INS Teg
- INS Tarkash
- INS Trikand
Specifications of Talwar Class Frigates
- Length: 124.8 metres
- Draught: 4.2 metres
- Armament: Equipped with eight BrahMos or Klub anti-ship missiles
- Displacement: Approximately 3,500 to 4,000 tonnes
- Power: Powered by Zorya gas-turbine engines of Ukrainian origin in a Combined Gas Turbine and Gas Turbine (COGAG) configuration
- Maximum Speed: 28 knots
- Air-Defence: Equipped with Shtil-1 air-defence system capable of defending against anti-ship cruise missiles, fighter jets, and drones
- Capabilities: Multipurpose roles including anti-ship, anti-submarine, land-attack, anti-piracy, and search and rescue missions
Delays in Delivery
The delivery of these frigates has faced repeated delays:
- Initial delays due to Covid-19 related lockdowns
- Subsequent delays due to the Russia-Ukraine war
Overall, the delivery of these frigates has been delayed by more than two years.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the name of the first indigenously-built Talwar class frigate launched by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL)?
- a) INS Talwar
- b) INS Trikand
- c) Triput
- d) Tushil
- Answer: c) Triput
- When is Russia expected to deliver the first frigate of the Talwar class to the Indian Navy?
- a) July 2024
- b) September 2024
- c) February 2025
- d) October 2016
- Answer: b) September 2024
- How many stealth frigates did India and Russia agree to purchase in the 2016 deal?
- a) Two
- b) Four
- c) Six
- d) Eight
- Answer: b) Four
- Which system is equipped on the Talwar class frigates for air-defence?
- a) BrahMos
- b) Klub
- c) Shtil-1
- d) Zorya
- Answer: c) Shtil-1
- What is the maximum speed that Talwar class frigates can achieve?
- a) 24 knots
- b) 26 knots
- c) 28 knots
- d) 30 knots
- Answer: c) 28 knots