INS Tarkash

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Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tarkash, a stealth guided missile frigate of the Indian Navy, recently arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles, during its ongoing deployment in the South-West Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The visit aims to strengthen India–Seychelles maritime cooperation, enhance regional security, and reinforce India's commitment to ensuring a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.

About INS Tarkash

INS Tarkash is a state-of-the-art stealth guided missile frigate of the Indian Navy.

It is the second ship of the Talwar-class guided missile frigates, which are modified versions of the Russian Krivak III-class frigates.

The ship was designed and built by the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. It was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 9 November 2012 at Kaliningrad and formally joined the Western Naval Command on 27 December 2012.

Key Features of INS Tarkash

Design and Dimensions

INS Tarkash is a 3,850-tonne stealth frigate with a length of 124.8 metres, a beam of 15.2 metres, and a draught of 4.2 metres. Its modern design provides excellent stability and endurance for long-distance naval operations.

Propulsion and Operational Capability

The ship is powered by four gas turbine engines, enabling it to achieve a maximum speed of over 30 knots. It has an operational range of approximately 4,500 nautical miles and can remain at sea for up to 30 days without replenishment. INS Tarkash carries a crew of around 253 personnel, making it suitable for prolonged deployments and overseas missions.

Stealth Technology

One of the most important features of INS Tarkash is its advanced stealth capability. The ship uses a special hull design and stealth technologies that significantly reduce its Radar Cross Section (RCS), making it difficult for enemy radar systems to detect and track it.

Advanced Weapons and Sensors

INS Tarkash is equipped with an integrated weapon and sensor system capable of addressing threats in air, surface, and underwater domains. Its weapon systems include:

• BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missiles for long-range precision strikes.

• Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs) for air defence.

• 100 mm naval gun for surface bombardment.

• Close-in Weapon Systems (CIWS) for protection against incoming missiles and aircraft.

• Torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare.

• Rocket launchers and advanced fire-control systems for multi-role combat operations.

A key distinction of INS Tarkash from the earlier Talwar-class ships is that it is armed with the BrahMos missile system instead of the Klub-N missile, greatly enhancing its strike capability.

Aviation Capability

INS Tarkash can operate one Kamov Ka-28 Helix-A Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) helicopter or one Kamov Ka-31 Helix-B Airborne Early Warning (AEW) helicopter. These helicopters significantly improve the ship's surveillance, reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare, and early-warning capabilities.

Strategic Importance of INS Tarkash

INS Tarkash plays a vital role in safeguarding India's maritime interests in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It regularly participates in anti-piracy operations, maritime surveillance, joint naval exercises, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions, and maritime security operations.

Its deployment strengthens India's vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), enhances cooperation with friendly countries, and contributes to maintaining a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.