India Navy to receive 2 new Talwar class frigates from Russia in few months time.

According to information published by Bloomberg on April 5, 2024, the Indian Navy is set to receive two Project 11356 (Talwar-class) frigates from Russia before 2025. 
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Talwar class frigate INS Trikand. (Picture source: Indian MoD)

The agreement for these frigates was signed between India and Russia in October 2018, with a follow-on contract for additional ships to be constructed in India inked in January 2019. The entire deal is valued at over $2.5 billion.

About the class

The Talwar-class frigates, also known as Project 11356, are a series of guided missile frigates developed by Russia for the Indian Navy. These ships are noted for their advanced technology and armament, serving as a key component of India's naval strategy. Initiated with a contract signed between Russia and India in November 1997, these ships were part of an effort to enhance the Indian Navy's capabilities by integrating modern maritime technology.

Designed by Severnoye Design Bureau, the Talwar-class incorporates features aimed at reducing radar detection, alongside a comprehensive suite of weapons systems. This class includes six ships already in service, with an additional four either under construction or planned, demonstrating India's commitment to expanding its naval power. Two of these additional ships are being constructed in India, marking a significant step towards self-reliance in warship construction.

These frigates are propelled by gas turbines and equipped with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, an update from the Klub-N/3M54TE missile system used in earlier versions. They also feature the Shtil-1 medium-range surface-to-air missile system among other armaments, tailored for a wide range of military operations including air, surface, and underwater threats.

With specifications such as a displacement of 6200 tonnes, a length of 163 meters, and a beam of 17.4 meters, these frigates can reach speeds of up to 28 knots. They have the capacity for a crew of 350, including 40 officers. The onboard facilities support the operation of either a Ka-28 or Ka-31 helicopter.

India-Russia

The Indo-Russian naval relationship can be traced back to the 1960s and 1970s, when India sought to expand and modernize its naval capabilities in the face of regional security challenges. Russia, then the Soviet Union, emerged as a key partner, offering military hardware that Western countries were reluctant to supply due to political alignments.

This period marked the beginning of a long-term partnership that saw the Indian Navy acquiring a number of significant platforms and weapons systems, including submarines, aircraft, and surface ships, many of which continue to form the backbone of India's naval force.