Talawar & Brahmaputra Class Frigates and Sea King Helicopter

Talawar & Brahmaputra

Technical Data

Stamp Set President's Review of the Fleet
Date of Issue February 12, 2006
Denomination Rs. 5
Quantity 800000
Perforation line 14 x 13¼
Printer Security Printing Press, Nashik
Watermark No Watermark
Colors Multicolor
Catalog Codes

Michel IN 2125

Stamp Number IN 2139b

Yvert et Tellier IN 1890

Stanley Gibbons IN 2310

WADP Numbering System - WNS IN005.06

Themes

Talwar and Brahmaputra Class Frigates & Sea King Helicopter

Talwar-Class Frigates

  • Introduction: The Talwar-class frigates are stealth guided-missile frigates of the Indian Navy, designed to be less detectable by radar.
  • Origin: Built in Russia under a collaboration between Russia’s Yantar Shipyard and the Indian Navy.
  • Primary Role: Multi-role frigates capable of conducting anti-submarine, anti-surface, and anti-air warfare.

Features:

  • Displacement: Approximately 4,000 tons.
  • Equipped with stealth technology to reduce radar, thermal, and acoustic signatures.
  • Armament includes BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Shtil-1 surface-to-air missiles, AK-630 CIWS, 130 mm A-190 naval gun, and torpedoes.
  • Radar and Sensors: Incorporates advanced radar, sonar, and electronic warfare systems.
  • Notable Ships: INS Talwar, INS Trikand, and INS Teg are among the ships in this class.
  • Operational Role: Known for their versatility, these frigates play a critical role in naval operations including surveillance, coastal patrolling, and combat engagements.

Brahmaputra-Class Frigates

  • Introduction: Designed and built in India, the Brahmaputra-class frigates are guided-missile frigates intended for multi-dimensional warfare.
  • Origin: Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, India.
  • Primary Role: Equipped for anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare, these frigates serve as frontline combat vessels in the Indian Navy.

Features:

  • Displacement: Approximately 3,600 tons.
  • Armament: Equipped with Kh-35 anti-ship missiles, Barak 1 missiles for air defense, AK-630 CIWS, and 100 mm guns.
  • Radar and Sensors: MR-90 Orekh radar for missile guidance, advanced sonar systems for submarine detection.
  • Notable Ships: INS Brahmaputra, INS Betwa, and INS Beas.
  • Operational Role: Effective in surface strike operations, air defense, and anti-submarine roles, and have participated in various Indian Navy exercises and missions.

Sea King Helicopter

  • Introduction: The Sea King is a multi-role naval helicopter primarily used by the Indian Navy for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and search-and-rescue (SAR) operations.
  • Origin: Originally manufactured by Westland Helicopters (UK) and acquired by India in the 1970s.
  • Primary Role: Known for versatility, Sea Kings are used for ASW, troop transport, SAR, reconnaissance, and anti-surface operations.

Features:

  • Capable of anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare with torpedoes and anti-ship missiles.
  • Equipped with sonar, radar, and various sensors for underwater and surface detection.
  • Can carry depth charges and anti-submarine torpedoes.
  • Significance: The Sea King has been a reliable asset in maritime patrol and is critical for the Indian Navy’s ASW capabilities, often deployed on aircraft carriers and frigates.

Operational Impact

The Talwar and Brahmaputra-class frigates, along with the Sea King helicopters, form a powerful combination in the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities. The stealth and firepower of the frigates, combined with the Sea King’s surveillance and anti-submarine prowess, enable the Navy to secure maritime boundaries effectively and project strength across the Indian Ocean. This trio has been instrumental in safeguarding Indian waters and supporting naval operations.