The Indian Navy’s second Project 1135.6 additional follow-on frigate ‘Tavasya‘ has launched at Goa Shipyard Limited’s (GSL) facility in Goa.
Tavasya measures 124.8 metres (m) in length and 15.2m in width, with a draught of 4.5m, and is designed for various combat operations including surface, sub-surface, and air engagements.
The contract for constructing two Project 1135.6 follow-on frigates was finalised with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on 25 January 2019.
The first vessel, ‘Triput‘, was launched on 23 July 2024. Both of these ships incorporate a proportion of indigenous equipment, weapons, and sensors.
The launch marks progress in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in warship construction and aligns with the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” in defence manufacturing.
It also supports the MoD’s goal to reach Rs500bn ($5.85bn) in defence exports by 2029.
Indian State Defence Minister Sanjay Seth said: “This launch is a defining moment in India’s Naval history, showcasing our technological capabilities and unwavering commitment to self-reliance.”
“The launch of Tavasya is not just a step forward for the Indian Navy but a giant leap for India’s strategic defence ambitions.”
He also highlighted the growing resilience of India’s shipbuilding ecosystem including the successful localisation of critical components such as the BrahMos missile system, torpedo launchers, sonar, and auxiliary control systems.
Capable of reaching a top speed of 28 knots and displacing more than 3,800 tonnes, the two Project 1135.6 follow-on frigates are equipped to conduct offensive and defensive tasks.
The warships feature stealth capabilities, new weapons, sensors, and platform management systems.
They are engineered for multi-role operations, offering naval warfare capabilities across air, surface, and sub-surface domains.
In 2016, an official agreement was established between India and Russia for the procurement of four supplementary stealth frigates based on the Krivak-class design. This contract stipulates that two of these vessels will be constructed domestically at GSL with the benefit of transferred technology from Russia.
Tavasya represents the final vessel in this series and is the second unit to be built at GSL under this technology-sharing arrangement, reported The Hindu.
GSL has launched two weapon-intensive frigates within an eight-month span and a total of seven ships over the past year.
GSL chairman and managing director Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay said: “The launch of ‘Tavasya’ is the culmination of our relentless pursuit of excellence in indigenous warship building.
“From being a mid-sized shipbuilder, GSL has evolved into a leading defence yard, now delivering some of the most complex naval platforms.”
“This project reaffirms our capability to execute high-end warship programmes with precision, efficiency, and unmatched commitment to national security,” he added.
In December 2024, the Indian Navy commissioned INS Tushil, the first of two additional upgraded Talwar class ships, at Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia.
INS Tushil represents an upgraded Krivak III class frigate under Project 1135.6 and is the seventh vessel in the series.
So far, six ships from this project are in service: three Talwar class ships built at the Baltiysky shipyard in St. Petersburg, and three follow-on Teg class ships built at the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad.
