INS Tarkash is on a long-range overseas deployment

Indian Naval Ship INS Tarkash participated in a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) in the North Atlantic Ocean with French Naval Ships last week.

During the exercise, held on Friday and Saturday, the French fleet tanker FNS Somme and Tarkash practised replenishment at sea. This was followed by joint air operations with the maritime surveillance aircraft Falcon 50, taking part in several mock missile engagements and air defence manoeuvres.

"Successful conduct of these surface and aerial exercises symbolise the high degree of professionalism and interoperability that exists between the two navies," India's Ministry of Defence said on Monday.

INS Tarkash had also participated in a Maritime Partnership Exercise with Royal Moroccan Navy Ship Hassan II, a Floreal Class Corvette on 26 July.

As part of her long-range overseas deployment, INS Tarkash is headed to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil to hoist the national flag on Independence Day, August 15.

INS Tarkash, sometimes referred to as F50, is the second Talwar-class frigate built for the Indian Navy, and was launched in 2011. The ship was constructed at the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. In November 2012, the ship was officially put into service. Later, in December 2012, it joined the Western Naval Command.

On the other hand, the French Navy's command and replenishment tanker Somme belongs to the Durance class. The Somme has performed as a flagship in the Indian Ocean in addition to its normal role as a fleet tanker.