India Launches Second Indigenous Project 1135.6 Frigate ‘Tavasya’ at Goa Shipyard.

India marked a significant milestone in its indigenous naval shipbuilding program on March 22, 2025, with the launch of ‘Tavasya’, the second stealth frigate under the Project 1135.6 Additional Follow-on Ships. The ceremony took place at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) and was officiated by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, the Indian Minister of State for Defence. The ship was ceremonially launched by Mrs. Neeta Seth, spouse of the Raksha Rajya Mantri, in a traditional naval ritual, and the event was attended by Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, Indian Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, which is responsible for India’s maritime security along the western seaboard.
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The Indian Navy's second indigenously-built Project 1135.6 stealth frigate, ‘Tavasya’, is ceremonially launched at Goa Shipyard Limited on March 22, 2025. (Picture source: Government of India)

Project 1135.6, also known as the Talwar-class frigate program, originates from the Russian Krivak III-class design and is the result of Indo-Russian naval cooperation. Initially, these guided-missile frigates were constructed in Russia, but the additional follow-on ships are now being built indigenously by Indian shipyards, marking a significant leap toward India’s self-reliance in defense production. These frigates are designed for multi-role operations, including anti-ship, anti-submarine, and anti-air warfare. With a focus on stealth, speed, and survivability, they significantly enhance the Indian Navy's operational flexibility across different maritime theaters.

The newly launched Tavasya measures 124.8 meters in length, has a beam of 15.2 meters and a draught of 4.5 meters. The ship displaces approximately 3,600 tons and can achieve speeds of up to 28 knots. It is powered by a combined gas turbine propulsion system, allowing both efficient cruising and high-speed maneuverability. Designed with radar-absorbing materials and a carefully shaped hull, the frigate features reduced radar cross-section to enhance stealth capabilities. Tavasya is outfitted with an array of advanced weapons and sensors, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system, Shtil-1 medium-range surface-to-air missiles, a 100 mm A-190 naval gun, torpedo tubes, and anti-submarine rocket launchers. It also features aviation facilities capable of operating naval helicopters like the Kamov Ka-27 or Ka-31, adding an airborne anti-submarine and surveillance capability to its already versatile arsenal.

During the ceremony, Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth emphasized that the launch of Tavasya reflects a defining moment in India’s naval history. He praised the growing self-reliance of the Indian Navy and underscored the successful localization of critical systems such as the BrahMos missile, sonar suites, torpedo launchers, and auxiliary control systems. According to the minister, these developments showcase the maturity of India’s shipbuilding ecosystem and reinforce the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

Tavasya, named after the mythical mace of Bhima from the Mahabharata, symbolizes the Indian Navy’s indomitable spirit and growing strength. Along with its sister ship ‘Triput’, which was launched in July 2024, Tavasya represents a leap forward in the modernization of India's naval forces. Both frigates incorporate a high degree of indigenous content, contributing to national capability building, employment generation, and the advancement of India’s defense industrial base.

The contract for the two Project 1135.6 follow-on frigates was signed between the Ministry of Defence and Goa Shipyard Limited on January 25, 2019. The indigenous construction of these complex platforms demonstrates India's rising proficiency in advanced naval engineering and signals the Navy’s transition into a modern, combat-ready maritime force. As India continues to assert its maritime presence in the Indo-Pacific, vessels like Tavasya will play a central role in safeguarding national interests and maintaining regional stability.