New Delhi, March 22

The second frigate of Project 1135.6 Additional Follow-on Ships, being built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), was launched by Mrs Neeta Seth in the presence of Shri Sanjay Seth, Hon’ble Raksha Rajya Mantri and VAdm Sanjay J Singh, FOC-in-C West, on Saturday, at GSL, Goa. Senior officials from the Indian Navy, Government of Goa and Goa Shipyard also attended the event. These Frigates are Follow-on of P1135.6 ships, which are now being constructed indigenously by an Indian Shipyard.

Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Raksha Rajya Mantri commended the GSL’s extraordinary achievement in launching two complex, weapon-intensive frigates within just eight months, despite geopolitical challenges affecting global supply chains. Highlighting the Navy’s growing self-reliance, he remarked:

"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 said.

‘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, the minister said. He 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.

The ship has been named ‘ Tavasya ’, after the mace of legendary warrior ‘ Bhima ’ from the ‘ Mahabharata ’, representing the indomitable spirit and growing strength of the Indian Navy. The contract for building two Project 1135.6 Follow-on frigates was signed between the Ministry of Defence and Goa Shipyard Limited on 25 January 19. The first ship ‘ Triput ’, was launched on 23 July last year. These ships are designed for surface, sub-surface and air combat operations. ‘Triput’ and ‘Tavasya’ are approx 125 m long with a draught of 4.5 m. The displacement is approximately 3800 tons with a maximum speed of 28 knots.

Speaking on the occasion, Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, Chairman and Managing Director, 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.

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 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.

In line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign, ‘Triput’ and ‘Tavasya’ are being equipped with a large percentage of indigenous origin equipment, weapons and sensors, ensuring large scale defence production by Indian manufacturing units, generating employment and capability enhancement within the country. GSL’s impressive execution record has positioned it at the forefront of India’s defence shipbuilding industry. The shipyard has successfully launched seven ships within a year, a feat that underscores its capabilities in delivering multi-domain, next-generation vessels.