INS Tarkash (F50) is the second Talwar-classfrigate constructed for the Indian Navy. She is part of the second batch of Talwar-class frigates ordered by the Indian Navy. She was built at the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. She was commissioned to Navy service on 9 November 2012 at Kaliningrad and joined the Western Naval Command on 27 December 2012.[3][4]
Tarkash belongs to the second flight (F45, F50, F51) of Talwar class of guided missile frigates. These are modified Krivak III-class frigates built by Russia. These ships use stealth technologies and a special hull design to ensure a reduced radar cross section. Much of the equipment on the ship is Russian-made, but a significant number of systems of Indian origin have also been incorporated. The main difference between Tarkash and the earlier flight of Talwar-class ships (F40, F43, F44) is the use of BrahMos missiles in place of the Klub-N missiles in the earlier ships.[citation needed] It is the second of the three frigates built in Russia as a follow-up order to the first batch of Talwar-class frigates.
Construction
Tarkash being launched at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, Russia on June 23, 2010
Tarkash was launched on 23 June 2010 at Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia.[citation needed] Her delivery was delayed from the original goal of October 2011 due to labour shortages and delays in equipment deliveries.[citation needed] She departed the Yantar shipyard on 24 May 2012 to begin her sea trials. The sea trials were successfully completed in the month of August 2012.[5]
On 9 November 2012, Tarkash was handed over to the Indian Navy by Yantar Shipyard.[6][7] She joined the Western Naval Command on 27 December 2012.[8]
On 14 March, INS Tarkash intercepted the hijacked Bangladeshi MV Abdullah and ensured the saftey of the crew members onboard. Maritime Patrol Aircraft P-8I is being used in this operation. The operation was carried out 600 nm east of Somalia coast. The warship is maintaining close vicinity with the merchant vessel.[10]