INS Tabar

INS Tabar (F44) is a frontline guided-missile frigate of the Indian Navy, belonging to the Talwar-class (Type 11356) series of warships. Commissioned in April 2004, it represents a key component of India’s modern blue-water naval capability. Known for its advanced weaponry, stealth features, and multi-role operational flexibility, INS Tabar has played a vital role in enhancing India’s maritime security, power projection, and international naval cooperation.

Background and Development

The Talwar-class frigates are modified versions of the Russian Krivak III-class warships, designed and constructed by the Baltic Shipyard and Yantar Shipyard in Russia for the Indian Navy.
The class was developed to meet India’s need for multi-role stealth frigates capable of operating in both offensive and defensive missions. These ships are part of India’s efforts to modernise its fleet and maintain maritime superiority in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
INS Tabar (F44) is the third ship of the Talwar-class series, following INS Talwar (F40) and INS Trishul (F43).

• Builder: Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, Russia
• Launched: 25 May 2001
• Commissioned: 19 April 2004
• Commissioned by: Admiral Arun Prakash, then Chief of Naval Staff
• Home Port: Mumbai, under the Western Naval Command

Design and Technical Specifications

INS Tabar combines stealth technology, multi-role combat systems, and high endurance, making it one of the most capable frigates in the Indian Navy.

The ship is built with stealth features such as radar-absorbing materials, angled superstructures, and reduced infrared signatures, enhancing survivability and tactical advantage.

Armament and Sensors

INS Tabar is equipped with a wide range of offensive and defensive systems for anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations.
1. Missiles:

• Anti-Ship / Land Attack: Initially fitted with 3M-54E Klub-N missiles (NATO codename: SS-N-27 Sizzler), capable of engaging surface and land targets at long range with high precision.
• Surface-to-Air: Shtil-1 medium-range air defence missile system, with 24 missiles providing protection against aircraft and missiles.

2. Guns:

• Main Gun: 100 mm A-190(E) naval gun for surface and shore bombardment.
• Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS): Two AK-630 30 mm Gatling guns for close-range defence against aircraft and incoming missiles.

3. Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW):

• Two twin 533 mm torpedo launchers.
• One RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launcher system.

4. Aviation Facilities:

• Flight deck and hangar for one Ka-28 or Ka-31 helicopter, enhancing ASW and reconnaissance capabilities.

5. Sensors and Electronic Systems:

• Radar: Fregat-MAE multi-function radar for air and surface search.
• Sonar: APSOH / HUMSA hull-mounted sonar for underwater detection.
• Electronic Warfare (EW): TK-25E system for radar warning, deception, and jamming.

These systems collectively make INS Tabar a multi-dimensional combat platform capable of operating across a wide spectrum of maritime threats.

Operational Role

INS Tabar’s design enables it to perform a wide range of missions, including:

• Fleet air defence and escort operations
• Anti-piracy patrols and maritime security missions
• Surveillance and reconnaissance
• Power projection and naval diplomacy
• Joint exercises and international cooperation

It serves under the Western Fleet, protecting India’s maritime interests in the Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf, and beyond.

Notable Operations and Deployments

1. Anti-Piracy Operations (2008): INS Tabar gained international recognition for its role in anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden. In November 2008, the ship successfully foiled several pirate attacks on merchant vessels and destroyed a suspected pirate mother ship. This operation highlighted the Indian Navy’s proactive role in maintaining maritime security and freedom of navigation in one of the world’s busiest sea lanes.
2. Overseas Deployments and Naval Diplomacy: The ship has made several goodwill visits and participated in multinational exercises, enhancing India’s naval diplomacy:

• Exercise Indra (with Russia)
• Exercise IBSAMAR (with Brazil and South Africa)
• Exercise Konkan (with the United Kingdom)
• Exercise Varuna (with France)

3. Mediterranean and European Deployments (2021): In 2021, INS Tabar undertook a two-month deployment to Africa and Europe, calling at ports in Egypt, France, Italy, Norway, and Russia. It participated in multiple joint exercises, including:

• Exercise Cutlass Express (off East Africa)
• Exercise Konkan 2021 (with the Royal Navy)
• Exercise Varuna 2021 (with the French Navy)This deployment reflected India’s commitment to fostering international maritime cooperation and upholding global maritime security.

4. Security Operations in the Indian Ocean Region: The ship routinely patrols the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman, ensuring the safety of sea lanes and Indian merchant vessels.

Modernisation and Upgrades

INS Tabar has undergone several mid-life upgrades to maintain operational effectiveness. These include:

• Integration of advanced communication and combat management systems.
• Software upgrades for improved network-centric warfare capabilities.
• Maintenance and overhaul of propulsion and radar systems.

These modernisations ensure that INS Tabar remains a vital asset in India’s fleet well into the 2020s.

Strategic Importance

INS Tabar plays a crucial role in India’s maritime strategy, which emphasises:

• Blue-water capabilities and the protection of India’s maritime interests.
• Securing sea lines of communication (SLOCs) critical for trade and energy supplies.
• Expanding India’s presence in the Indian Ocean and adjacent waters.
• Strengthening naval partnerships through joint exercises and port calls.