INS Tarkash commissioned

The second of the Russian-built Talwar class stealth frigates — INS Tarkash — equipped with supersonic cruise missiles was on Friday commissioned into the Navy at the Yantar Shipyard in Russia.

Vice-Admiral Shekhar Kumar Sinha, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FoC-in-C), Western Naval Command, formally commissioned the ship.

Skippered by Captain Antony George, an ‘anti- submarine warfare specialist’, Tarkash is expected to join the Navy’s Western Fleet by December end.

Tarkash, which literally means quiver, is equipped with a formidable arsenal. “The weapons suite of the ship includes Surface-to-Air and Surface-to-Surface missile systems, 100 mm medium range gun, close-in weapon system, torpedo tubes and anti-submarine rockets,” official said.

The ‘BrahMos’ Surface-to-Surface missile system, a joint venture involving New Delhi and Moscow, is capable of engaging targets at extended ranges at supersonic speeds and is perhaps the best missile in its class.

Besides, Tarkash has an on board anti-submarine or an airborne early warning helicopter--a dominant force multiplier.

With its advanced weapons suite and sensors fully integrated with its Combat Management System, Tarkash will augment the Navy’s net-centric capability and is tailor-made for undertaking a broad spectrum of maritime missions, ranging from traditional military roles to those involving low intensity maritime operations, and crisis management.

“To meet the paramount need for stealth in the current combat environment, Tarkash incorporates innovative stealth technologies to reduce its radar cross-section, infrared and magnetic signatures, as well as radiated underwater noise,” Naval officials said.

The vessel’s commissioning was attended by Indian Ambassador to Russia Ajai Malhotra, top Kremlin officials and Indian and Russian Naval representatives.