Tavasya
Panaji: The second frigate of Project 1135.6 Additional Follow-on Ships, named ‘Tavasya’, built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), was launched at GSL, Goa, today.
The ship has been named ‘Tavasya’, after the mace of the legendary warrior ‘Bhima’ from the ‘Mahabharata’, representing the indomitable spirit and growing strength of the Indian Navy.
The formidable multi-role stealth frigate is designed to operate across the full spectrum of Naval Warfare – Air, Surface, and Sub-Surface – ensuring “unmatched” operational capability. These frigates are follow-on of P1135.6 ships, which are now being constructed indigenously by Indian Shipyard.
“This launch is a defining moment in India’s Naval history, showcasing our technological capabilities and unwavering commitment to self-reliance. The successful localization of critical components such as the BrahMos missile system, torpedo launchers, sonar, and auxiliary control systems demonstrates the growing resilience of India’s shipbuilding ecosystem. The launch of Tavasya is not just a step forward for the Indian Navy but a giant leap for India’s strategic defence ambitions,” the Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, said during the launch function of the frigate. The frigate was launched by his wife Neeta Seth, as per the established traditions of such launch ceremonies.
It is a maiden attempt by an Indian Shipyard to construct these complex platforms, which were previously imported in a fully built condition. With an indigenous content exceeding 56%, far surpassing the 25% in similar ships constructed abroad, the frigate is a “shining example of India’s engineering prowess, bolstering national security and strengthening India’s position in the global defence ecosystem”, the Ministry of Defence stated.
The launch marks a significant advancement in India’s self-reliance in warship construction, reinforcing the country’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing. With a displacement exceeding 3800 tons, ‘Tavasya’ is engineered to execute a diverse range of offensive and defensive operations, ensuring strategic dominance in the Indian Ocean Region. Equipped with advanced stealth features, high-endurance capabilities, and next-generation combat systems, the ship represents a significant boost to the operational might of the Indian Navy.
Seth reaffirmed India’s ambition to emerge as a global leader in warship exports, citing GSL’s pioneering role in defence exports and the Ministry of Defence’s vision to achieve ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.
Speaking on the occasion, Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, Chairman and Managing Director of GSL, highlighted the shipyard’s remarkable evolution into a strategic defence asset for the nation. “The launch of ‘Tavasya’ is the culmination of our relentless pursuit of excellence in indigenous warship building. From being a mid-sized shipbuilder, GSL has evolved into a leading defence yard, now delivering some of the most complex naval platforms. This project reaffirms our capability to execute high-end warship programs with precision, efficiency, and unmatched commitment to national security,” he said.
The contract for building two Project 1135.6 Follow-on frigates was signed between the Ministry of Defence and Goa Shipyard Limited on January 25, 2019. The first ship ‘Triput’, was launched on 23 Jul 24. These ships are designed for surface, sub-surface and air combat operations. ‘Triput’ and ‘Tavasya’ are 124.8 metres long and 15.2 metres wide, with a draught of 4.5 metres. The displacement is approximately 3600 tons with a maximum speed of 28 knots.
– global bihari bureau
