Russia has floated the second of three guided-missile frigates being built for the Indian Navy at the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad.

The new Tarkash frigate is one of the three Krivak III or Talwar Class guided missile frigates, which will be equipped with eight BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, according to RIA Novosti.

Armament of the warships also includes a 100mm gun, a Shtil surface-to-air missile system, two Kashtan air-defence gun / missile systems, two twin 533mm torpedo launchers and one anti-submarine warfare helicopter.

The first frigate, known as Teg, was floated in November 2009 and the third and last frigate, Trikand is scheduled for delivery in 2011-12.

In July 2006, the Indian Navy awarded a $1.6bn contract to Russia to deliver the modified Talwar Class warships.