TAVASYA, THE FOURTH KRIVAK-CLASS STEALTH FRIGATE

Tavasya, the fourth Krivak-class Stealth frigate, launched into water.

Krivak-Class Stealth Frigate “Tavasya”

• Tavasya, the last of the four follow-on Krivak-class stealth frigates, was launched at Goa Shipyard Ltd. (GSL).
• Constructed under technology transfer from Russia.

Significance

• A milestone in India’s self-reliance in naval defence.
• Showcases India’s technological advancements in warship construction.

Krivak-Class Frigates – Key Details

• Soviet designation: Project 1135 Burevestnik (Storm Petrel).
• Developed by the Soviet Union since 1970 for the Soviet Navy.
• Designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) until 1977.
• Some variants, like Nerey (Nereus), were used for coastal patrol by the KGB Border Troops.
• Known by their NATO reporting name: “Krivak”.

Variants

• Krivak I & II – Navy versions for anti-submarine warfare.
• Krivak III – Coast guard variant.
• Krivak IV – Modernized navy version

Project Details

• Contract Signed: India-Russia Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) in 2016 for four frigates.
  • 2 directly imported from Russia ($1 billion deal).
  • 2 constructed at GSL under technology transfer ($500 million deal).

India and Krivak-Class Frigates

• India acquired Krivak III-class frigates, which were later upgraded to the Talwar-class.
• Follow-on Krivak IV-class frigates were ordered under India-Russia agreement (2016).
• Four new frigates:
  • Two imported from Russia (INS Tushil & Tamal).
  • Two built in India (GSL) under technology transfer (Triput & Tavasya).

Strategic Importance

• Strengthens Indian Navy’s blue-water capabilities.
• Enhances self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
• Aligns with ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in defence production.