The Perfect Soldier: Special Operations, Commandos, and the Future of Us Warfare by James F. Dunnigan
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This Is The End, My Russian Friend
by James Dunnigan
August 3, 2013
In the last twelve months Russia delivered the three Talwar class frigates India ordered (for $1.6 billion) in 2006. The 4,000 ton P-17 project Talwar's are 124.5 meter (386 feet) long, carry 24 anti-aircraft and 8 anti-ship missiles, 4 torpedo tubes, as well as a 100mm gun, short range anti-missile autocannon, a helicopter, and anti-submarine weapons (depth charges and missiles). The ship has a very complete set of electronics gear, except for a troublesome Indian sonar. There is a crew of 180. All of the Talwars are equipped with 8 Indian BrahMos anti-ship missiles each. The Talwar is a modified version of the Russian Krivak IV design.
The P-17A "stealth" frigates are the same size as the original three Talwars India ordered in the 1990s. The Stealthy Talwars have their superstructure changed so as to reduce the radar signature (making the ship less likely to show up on enemy radars). Improved weapons and electronics are installed as well, making it a more formidable warship than the original Talwars. India is not ordering any more warships from Russia, as it has developed the capability to build what it needs locally. This now includes aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines.
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