The Indian Navy has formally named the three Talwar class frigates being built in Russia the Teg (Sabre), Tarkash (Quiver) and the Trikand (Bow). The Russian news agency RIA Novosti quoted the Yantar shipyard spokesperson Sergei Mikhalov. Unlike the custom of naming warships after retired ships, these are new names. The three Project 1135.6 modified Krivak III class (Talwar class) guided missile frigates are being built for the Indian Navy under a $ 1.6 billion (Rs 7600 crore) contract signed with Russia in July 2006. India contracted to buy three Talwar class frigates, the Talwar, Trishul and Tabar which were delivered between 2003 and 2004. The new batch of three frigates is expected by 2012. "All three hulls have been completed... The first frigate in the series is expected to float out in October. The shipyard should be able to deliver all three vessels to the customer in 2011-2012," the agency quoted Mikahlov as saying. The 4000 ton Talwar class frigates have a top speed of 30 knots. They are armed with a 100 mm gun, two Kashtan air defence gun / missile systems, two twin 533-mm torpedo tubes and an anti-submarine warfare helicopter. Unlike the previous three Talwars class frigates, the new frigates will be equipped with eight Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles instead of the Klub-N anti-ship missiles. source : India Today
