President’s Review of the Fleet- Talawar & Brahmaputra Class Frigates and Sea King Helicopter

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.