INS Trikand commissioned into Indian Navy

INS Trikand, a frigate built in the Russian Federation, was commissioned into the Indian Navy Saturday at Kaliningrad in Russia by Vice Admiral R.K. Dhowan, vice chief of the naval staff, an official release said.

The commissioning of INS Trikand marks the culmination of a three ship contract for "Follow On Talwar Class" ships built in Russia and was a milestone in the Indo-Russian military-technological cooperation, said the release issued here.

"Her sister ships INS Teg and INS Tarkash were commissioned last year and are now undertaking operations as part of the Western Fleet," the release said.

INS Trikand carries a state-of-the-art combat suite which includes the supersonic BRAHMOS missile system, advanced surface-to-air missiles Shtil, upgraded A190 medium range gun, electro-optical 30 mm close-in weapon system, anti-submarine weapons such as torpedoes and rockets and an advanced electronic warfare system.

The ship is powered by four gas turbines and is capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots, it said.

INS Trikand has a complement of about 300 personnel including officers. The ship will soon undertake her maiden passage to India to join her sister ships of Western Fleet, the release said.