Source: THE TELEGRAPH

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Context:

• The Indian warship, INS Teg, has rescued nine sailors, including eight Indians and one Sri Lankan, who were on board the Comoros-flagged oil tanker — MT Falcon Prestige — that had capsized on July 14 off the Oman coast.

Details:

About INS Teg:

INS Teg (F45) is the fourth Talwar-class frigate of the Indian Navy, constructed by the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia, and commissioned on 27 April 2012. It is the first of the second batch of Talwar-class frigates.

The main distinction between INS Teg and earlier Talwar-class ships is using BrahMos missiles instead of Klub-N missiles.

Design:

• Part of the Talwar class, modified Krivak III-class guided missile frigates.
• Built using stealth technologies and a special hull design to reduce radar cross-section.
• Contains primarily Russian-made equipment, with significant Indian-origin systems.
• Key differences from earlier Talwar-class ships:
• Uses BrahMos missiles instead of Klub-N missiles.
• Uses AK-630 instead of Kashtan weapon systems.
• First of three frigates in a follow-up order to the initial Talwar-class batch.

READ ABOUT BRAHMOS- https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/brahmos-44#:~:text=BrahMos%2C%20on%20the%20other%20hand,of%20solid%20and%20liquid%20fuels.

Key features of INS Teg:

Displacement	3,970 tonnes
Armament	Eight 290-km BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles
Length	125 meters
Helicopter Operation	Capable of operating an anti-submarine or early-warning helicopter
Top Speed	30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph)
Operating Range	4,500 nautical miles (8,334 km)
Stealth Features	Reduced radar cross-section, infrared, magnetic, and acoustic signatures, as well as radiated underwater noise.

The Rescue Operation

• On July 17, 2024, INS Teg, a state-of-the-art Talwar-class frigate of the Indian Navy, successfully rescued eight Indian nationals from a distressed oil tanker in the Arabian Sea.
• The tanker faced a severe mechanical failure and was at risk of sinking due to rough sea conditions.
• The Indian Navy promptly responded to the distress signal, highlighting its commitment to maritime safety and humanitarian assistance.

Details of the Operation

• Location: Arabian Sea
• Incident: Mechanical failure of an oil tanker leading to distress
• Rescue Team: INS Teg and its crew
• Rescue Outcome: Eight Indian nationals saved, with ongoing searches for other crew members

The operation highlighted the quickness and preparedness of INS Teg, which is equipped with advanced navigation and communication systems, making it suitable for such critical missions.

Capabilities of INS Teg

INS Teg, the lead ship of the Talwar-class frigates, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2012. The ship boasts numerous advanced features that make it a formidable presence in maritime operations:

• Armament: Equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Shtil-1 surface-to-air missiles, and anti-submarine torpedoes.
• Sensors and Radars: Advanced radar and sonar systems for comprehensive monitoring and threat detection.
• Helicopter Facilities: A helicopter deck and hangar, normally housing a Kamov Ka-28 anti-submarine warfare helicopter, enhancing its operational range and versatility.
• Speed and Endurance: Capable of achieving speeds up to 30 knots, with a range of over 4,500 nautical miles, enabling long-duration missions.

Broader Implications

The successful rescue operation by INS Teg underscores several critical aspects:

• Humanitarian Role: Beyond its combat capabilities, the Indian Navy plays a vital role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, responding swiftly to maritime emergencies.
• Maritime Safety: Ensuring the safety of commercial vessels and their crew is paramount for maintaining the confidence of international maritime trade.
• Strategic Presence: Such operations enhance India’s strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), demonstrating the country’s capability and willingness to ensure regional security.

Conclusion:

• INS Teg’s recent mission is a testament to the Indian Navy’s resolve and capability in safeguarding lives and maintaining maritime security. This operation not only saved lives but also reinforced India’s commitment to upholding maritime law and order.
• As global maritime challenges evolve, the importance of having a capable and responsive navy cannot be overstated.
• INS Teg’s success serves as a reminder of the Indian Navy’s vital role in the region and beyond.

MUST READ ARTICLE:

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SUBMARINE OF INDIAN NAVY

BASICS OF FRIGATES

Source:

THE TELEGRAPH

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Discuss the strategic and humanitarian significance of the Indian Navy's recent rescue operation by INS Teg in the Arabian Sea, highlighting its implications for India's maritime security and international relations. Analyze the capabilities of the Talwar-class frigates that enable such operations.