INS Tabar (F44), an advanced stealth frigate, is ahead of India’s naval functions. Commissioned in 2004, it is a symbol of strategic skills in the Indian Navy, and combines the emergency preparedness of war with the global maritime look.
1. Origins & Design
- Built in Russia by Baltiyskiy Zavod; commissioned 19 April 2004 at St. Petersburg
- Named Tabar (“Battle Axe”), bearing the motto “Guts & Glory”
- Specifications:
- Displacement: ~4,035 t full load
- Length: 125 m; Speed: 30 km/hr
- Crew: ~280–300 personnel
2. Firepower & Sensors
- Missiles & Guns:
- 24 Shtil‑1 SAMs, 8 Klub/ BrahMos SSMs, 100 mm A‑190E gun
- Two Kashtan CIWS, 533 mm torpedoes, RBU‑6000 ASW mortar
- Aviation: Supports Ka‑28/Ka‑31/Dhruv helicopters.
- Sensors: Fregat 3D radar, BEL HUMSA sonar, advanced navigation & EW

3. Cutting-Edge Upgrades
- BEL-Varuna EW Suite replaced older Russian systems, featuring 360° radar emitter surveillance for up to 500 signals
- Newly installed towed-array sonar and upgraded surface-search radar
4. Global Missions & Diplomacy
- Anti-piracy in the Gulf of Aden (2008): Deterred Somali pirates and escorted trade convoys
- Anti-piracy drill (2025): Extinguished fire aboard MT Yi Cheng 6, rescuing 14 crew in the Arabian Sea
5. Maritime Partnership & Diplomacy
- 2021 mission (Africa–Europe):
Multiple port calls and MPXs (Konkan, Indra, with France, UK, Russia, Norway, Sudan, etc.) - 2024 deployments: Alexandria → Casablanca → Hamburg → St. Petersburg → London → Gothenburg → Esbjerg → Málaga → Toulon → joint exercises like Varuna & PASSEX with European navies
6. Strategic Significance
- Versatile force multiplier: Excelling in air, surface, subsurface, humanitarian, and disaster relief operations
- Stealth & advanced systems: Makes her a key player in India’s Western Fleet, projecting naval dominance from the Indian Ocean to European waters.
- Diplomatic bridge: Embodies India’s soft power through technical outreach and global port engagements.
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Conclusion
INS Tabar gives the example of India’s maritime strength, which is fueled by the state -Art -art weapons, strategic distribution, and human ethos. Through its developed fighting costume and diplomatic search, Tabar India’s marine reputation was confirmed in the seas, testimony of a real warfare in modern times.
FAQs about INS Tabar (F44)
Q. What upgrades enhance her survivability?
Ans. BEL-Varuna EW, new sonar, and improved radar systems.
Q. Did INS Tabar save lives recently?
Ans. Yes. She rescued 14 crew from a burning tanker in 2025
Q. Which global drills participated?
Ans. Konkan (UK), Varuna (France), Indra (Russia), PASSEX with Germany/Spain/Sweden