GSL Launches Second Frigate 'Tavasya' Under Project 1135.6 for Indian Navy.
Defence
On March 22, 2025, Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), a leading defense shipyard based in Goa, India, launched 'Tavasya', the second frigate of Project 1135.6 (Vard 1259). This frigate was built with 56% indigenous content, a significant improvement from the 25% indigenization seen in its foreign-built counterparts.
- The frigate is designed for multi-role operations, including air, surface, and subsurface combat, enhancing the Indian Navy's (IN) strength and dominance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- This launch aligns with India’s goal of achieving ₹50,000 crores in defense exports by 2029 and reinforces the country’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
- Tavasya, named after Bhima's mace in the Mahabharata, symbolizes the Indian Navy's strength. The frigate measures 124.8m in length, 15.2m in width, and has a 4.5m draught, with a displacement of 3,600 tons and a top speed of 28 knots. It features stealth capabilities, BrahMos missile systems, torpedo launchers, and advanced sonar and sensor systems, enhancing its combat effectiveness.
Main Point :- (i) In October 2016, India and Russia signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for four Krivak-class stealth frigates. Two were built in Russia and imported for USD 1 billion, while the remaining two are being constructed in India by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) under a USD 500 million technology transfer agreement with ROSOBORONEXPORT (Russia) for materials and design assistance.
(ii) INS Tushil, the first Russian-built frigate, was commissioned on December 9, 2024, while INS Tamal, the second, is undergoing trials and is expected to be commissioned by June 2025.
(iii) On January 25, 2019, the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India (GoI) signed a contract with GSL for the construction of two Project 1135.6 frigates. The first indigenous frigate, Triput, was launched on July 23, 2024, followed by Tavasya as the second.
About Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL)
Chairman & CMD : Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay
Headquarters : Vasco da Gama (Goa)
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