INS Trishul, the Indian Navy’s Talwar-class frigate, arrived at Toulon naval base in France on September 22, 2026, as part of its operational deployment to participate in the bilateral naval exercise Varuna. This visit marks a significant moment for the Indian Navy, showcasing its enhanced capabilities following recent upgrades.
Recent images captured by Toulon-based photographer Hervé Dermoune reveal several technological advancements made to the Trishul in recent years. Originally built in Russia’s Baltic shipyard and commissioned in 2003, Trishul is the second ship of the Talwar class, which has undergone substantial modernization efforts.
Upgrades and Enhanced Capabilities
Footage released by the Indian Navy confirms that Trishul is now equipped with a BrahMos capable Universal Vertical Launch Module (UVLM). This upgrade allows all Talwar-class frigates to deploy the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, significantly enhancing their strike capabilities. The integration of the BrahMos system follows earlier upgrades seen on sister ships like Talwar and Tabar.
In addition to missile capabilities, Trishul has received various upgrades aimed at replacing legacy Russian systems. Notably, the ship has been fitted with the Atlas Elektronik ACTAS towed array sonar, which was first publicly identified in 2021. Other enhancements include an anti-torpedo decoy system, likely produced by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) or Mahindra Defence, and advanced electronic warfare systems, including Electronic Support Measures (ESM) and Communications Intelligence (COMINT) antennas, both manufactured by BEL.
Future Upgrades and Strategic Importance
The Talwar class is expected to undergo further upgrades, including the potential installation of the MFSTAR-RA radar and MRSAM surface-to-air missiles, replacing existing Russian systems. BEL is anticipated to secure a contract to retrofit its Advanced Composite Communication System (ACCS) across multiple vessels, including the Talwar class ships.
Visits by Indian naval vessels to mainland France are relatively rare, with the Indian Navy aiming for at least one deployment each year. Earlier in March 2026, the sail training ship INS Sudarshini visited Sète as part of its transoceanic expedition. The Indian Navy’s engagement with French naval forces, particularly through exercises like Varuna, underscores the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.
For more details on the upgrades and capabilities of INS Trishul, visit www.navalnews.com.
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