INS Tarkash (F50)

History

India manages one of the largest militaries in the world, and a key component of this force is its naval service. Its inventory includes at least one aircraft carrier, numerous frigates and destroyers, and a dozen attack submarines. Thanks to its well-balanced geopolitical location, the service is able to counter almost any threat from regional allies. Combat frigates include the Talwar class, a group of stealthy propulsion guided missile frigates of modern design, with the introduction of the INS Talwar (F40) pilot ship in 2003.

Her sister INS Tarkash (F50) was ordered on 14 July 2007 and built at Yantar Shipyard. She was launched on 23 June 2010 and officially commissioned on 9 November 2012 - as of now (2017) she is still in service.

Tour

The warship displaces 3,680 tons under standard load and up to 4,100 tons under full load. She has an overall length of 409.4 feet, a beam of 49.9 feet, and a draft of up to 14.8 feet. Power comes from a COGAG (Combined Gas and Gas) unit with 2 x 9,000hp DS-71 marine turbines for cruising and 2 x 19,500hp DT-59 marine turbines for sprint duty.

These drive a twin-shaft arrangement under the stern. Under ideal conditions, the maximum speed can reach 30 knots, and the range can reach 4850 nautical miles.

Crew and weapons

There are 180 crew members on board, including 18 officers. The warship is armed with a fleet of 24 medium-range air-to-air missiles (AAM) (Shtil-1 series) and 8 Igla-1E (SA-16) short-range air-to-air missiles. The ship also carries 8 x Klub anti-ship cruise missiles and can also attack land targets.

1 x 100mm A-190E deck gun carries more traditional projectile weapons, the turret is located above the forecastle, and carries 2 x Kashtan Close-In Weapon System (CIWS), which is used more for point defense. For anti-submarine missions, the INS Tarkash can rely on its 2 x 533mm twin torpedo tube launchers paired with the RBU-6000 Anti-Submarine Rocket (ASROC) launcher.

All of this enables INS Tarkash to repel incoming threats from the air, sea or below. It can be used to support fleet operations or operate independently, making it an effective hunting platform.

Invisible Design

INS Tarkash uses a proven stealth feature in its design. These include a board edge look and a continuous deck line, the latter extending from bow to stern. The bridge superstructure is flat, as are the chimneys behind it, with major obstructions kept to a minimum.

The deck guns are well set to ensure good ship clearance when firing, and the aft helipad provides a clear approach for incoming helicopters.

Air Squadron

Helipad with full service hangar is located above the stern, supporting a Kamov Ka-28 or Ka-31 "Helix" naval helicopter or similar. Native HAL Dhruv can also be operated from this location.

Previous service records

The INS Tarkash entered service in 2012 and is a relatively new and state-of-the-art addition to the Indian Navy's contingent. She was called to take her first notable action in March 2015 when the warship was used to transport Indian nationals out of Yemen when it was drawn into the civil war.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

AIR WING