The second of the three follow-on Talwar-class frigates, INS Tarkash (F50), arrived in Mumbai today and is now part of the sword-arm Western Fleet. The guided missile stealth frigate arrives after the INS Teg was commissioned in April this year. Displacing 3,850 tonnes and nearly 125 metres long, the Tarkash is a class of some of the most potent frontline warships in Indian Navy service. With maximum speeds in excess of 30 knots, a range of 4,500 miles or 30 days and a complement of 253 personnel, the ship is powered by four gas turbines.

According to the Navy, "The features of the follow-on ships have been upgraded to a higher level of sophistication with the experience gained by the Navy in operation of the first three ships. 'Tarkash', which means 'Quiver', will also carry supersonic BrahMos missile system with vertical launch capability, which is an Indo-Russian joint venture. True to its name, Tarkash carries cutting-edge weaponry which includes advanced surface-to-air missiles, 100 mm calibre guns (artillery), close range guns, torpedos, rocket launchers and associated fire control systems. The ship will also carry one Russian built anti-submarine warfare helicopter Ka-31."