Stealth Frigate INS Trikand Commissioned

INS Trikand, the last of the three “Talwar Class” frigates built in the Russian Federation, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 29 Jun 13 at Kaliningrad, Russia. The commissioning of INS Trikand marks the culmination of a three ship contract for “Follow On Talwar Class” ships built in Russia, and is therefore a milestone in the Indo-Russian military-technological cooperation.

The other ships of the class viz, INS Teg and INS Tarkash were commissioned last year and are now undertaking operations as part of the Western Fleet. The keel of INS Trikand was laid on 11 June 2008 and the ship was launched on 25 May 2011. Extensive Acceptance trials were conducted in the Baltic Sea in April and May 2013.

INS Trikand carries a state-of-the-art combat suite, the ship also incorporates innovative features to reduce radar, magnetic and acoustic signatures, which have earned this class of ships the sobriquet of ‘Stealth’ frigates. The ship is powered by four gas turbines and is capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots. The ship can carry an integrated Kamov 31 helicopter which is best suited for airborne early warning roles. The ship has a complement of about 300 personnel including officers.

The ship will soon undertake her maiden passage to India to join the Western Fleet of Indian Navy.

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Press Release, July 2, 2013