The Tavasya is the last of four Krivak-class stealth frigates and was launched at Goa Shipyard Limited on March 22, 2025 . The launch of Tavasya marks a milestone for India’s naval self-reliance and defense production capabilities . It is the second ship being constructed at GSL under a technology transfer agreement with Russia .
Krivak-class stealth frigates and the Tavasya:
- IGA Agreement: India and Russia signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement in October 2016 for four additional Krivak-class stealth frigates .
- Construction: Under the agreement, two ships were directly imported from Russia, and two were manufactured at Goa Shipyard under technology transfer .
- Specifications:
- Length: 124.8 m
- Width: 15.2 m
- Draught: 4.5 m
- Displacement: 3,600 tonnes
- Maximum speed: 28 knots
- Engines: The frigates are powered by Zorya-Mashproekt (Ukraine) engines .
- Armament: The new Krivak frigates, including Tavasya, will have the same configuration as Yantar’s last three frigates and are armed with BrahMos anti-ship and land attack missiles .
- Other ships in the series:
- Triput: The first ship manufactured in India, launched in July 2024, and is set for delivery in 2026 .
- Tushil: The first ship commissioned from Russia on December 9, 2024, and is now based in Karwar .
- Tamal: The second Russian-manufactured frigate, currently undergoing advanced trials, and is expected to be commissioned in June 2025 .
- Future: Tavasya is expected to be the last warship built under foreign license as India transitions to indigenous warship construction .
What are the key features of the Krivak-class frigate ?
The Krivak-class frigate, also known as Project 1135 Burevestnik, was designed and built by the Soviet Union . The frigates were designed to balance anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASUW), making them versatile warships .
Key features of the Krivak-class frigate include:
- Advanced Propulsion System: Equipped with a gas-turbine propulsion system, providing high speed and maneuverability. It can reach speeds of up to 32 knots (59 km/h) .
- Improved Radar Systems: Includes the MR-310A Angara-A air search radar and the MR-302M Rubka surface search radar for enhanced detection and tracking .
- Anti-Submarine Warfare Capabilities: Designed for ASW operations with hull-mounted and variable-depth sonar systems .
- Guided-Missile Capability: Equipped with the URK-5 (SS-N-14 Silex) anti-submarine missile system and the P-35 (SS-N-3c Shaddock) anti-ship missile system .
- Electronics Warfare Capabilities: Includes jamming and intercept systems to disrupt enemy communications and radar .
- Stealth Technology: Addition of stealth technology and a special hull design that results in a reduced radar cross-section (RCS) and electromagnetic signature .
- Improved Habitability: Designed to improve crew comfort with air conditioning, heating, ventilation, and improved galley facilities .
How does the stealth technology work on these ships ?
The Krivak-class frigates incorporate stealth technology primarily through design elements that reduce their radar cross-section (RCS), making them harder to detect by radar. Here’s how the stealth technology works on these ships:
- Hull Design:
- Shape: The hull and superstructure are designed with angled surfaces to deflect radar waves away from the source .
- Material: Radar-absorbent materials (RAM) are used on the ship’s surfaces. RAM absorbs a significant portion of the incoming radar energy, converting it into heat and thus reducing the intensity of the reflected signal .
- Reduced Electromagnetic Signature:
- Equipment Placement: Critical equipment that could emit strong electromagnetic signals is either shielded or placed in enclosed spaces to minimize emissions .
- Noise Reduction:
- Acoustic Dampening: Measures are taken to reduce the ship’s acoustic signature, making it harder to detect by sonar. This includes dampening machinery noise and optimizing propeller design to minimize cavitation .
- Infrared Signature Reduction:
- Exhaust Management: Exhaust systems are designed to cool and mix exhaust gases with ambient air before release, reducing the ship’s infrared (IR) signature .
