Indian Navy to Commission Stealth Frigate INS Tamal on July 1 in Russia
INS Tamal is the eighth Krivak-class frigate to be inducted by the Indian Navy over the past two decades and the second ship of the upgraded Tushil class, which follows the legacy of the earlier Talwar and Teg classes
New Delhi: In a big boost to India's maritime capabilities, the Indian Navy is set to commission its latest stealth multi-role frigate, INS Tamal, on July 1 at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia.
Built in Russia, INS Tamal is the last warship to be inducted from a foreign shipyard, aligning with the Government of India's thrust on Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. The commissioning ceremony will be presided over by Vice Admiral Sanjay J. Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command.
INS Tamal is the eighth Krivak-class frigate to be inducted by the Indian Navy over the past two decades and the second ship of the upgraded Tushil class, which follows the legacy of the earlier Talwar and Teg classes.
As part of the broader agreement for the Tushil class, India is also constructing two similar frigates, designated as the Triput class, at Goa Shipyard Limited, with design support and technology transfer from Russia.
The construction of INS Tamal was closely overseen by a team of Indian specialists from the Warship Overseeing Team based in Kaliningrad, under the aegis of the Embassy of India in Moscow. The Directorate of Ship Production at Naval Headquarters managed the project under the Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition.
The frigate features 26 per cent indigenous components, including the BrahMos long-range cruise missile for sea and land targets. Tamal is equipped with significant upgrades compared to its predecessors, including vertically launched surface-to-air missiles, an improved 100 mm main gun, next-generation electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems, 30 mm CIWS, heavyweight torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets, and an array of advanced surveillance and fire-control radars. It also supports Air Early Warning and Multi-Role helicopters, capable of operating from its flight deck.
The ship is equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems and network-centric warfare capabilities, greatly enhancing its combat potential. It boasts a high tonnage-to-firepower ratio, extended endurance, and a top speed of over 30 knots.
INS Tamal's crew of over 250 personnel have undergone rigorous training both ashore and at sea in the challenging winter conditions of St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad. The ship has successfully completed three months of extensive sea trials, proving its systems, sensors, and weaponry.
The name Tamal refers to the mythical sword wielded by Indra, the king of gods. The ship’s mascot is a symbolic fusion of Jambavant, the immortal bear king of Indian mythology, and the Eurasian brown bear, Russia's national animal. The crew proudly call themselves “The Great Bears.”
The ship’s motto, “Sarvada Sarvatra Vijaya” (Victorious Always, Everywhere), reflects the Indian Navy’s unwavering dedication to operational excellence. It complements the Navy’s broader commitment: “Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future Ready Force Safeguarding National Maritime Interests – Anytime, Anywhere.”
At 125 meters in length and displacing 3,900 tons, INS Tamal is a powerful fusion of Indian and Russian maritime technologies. Its stealthy design and improved stability features are the result of close collaboration between Indian naval engineers and Russia’s Severnoye Design Bureau. The number of Indian-made systems on board has more than doubled to 33.
Major Indian OEMs involved in the ship's systems include BrahMos Aerospace, Bharat Electronics Limited, Keltron, Nova Integrated Systems (Tata Group), Elcome Marine, and Johnson Controls India, among others.
Upon commissioning, INS Tamal will join the Western Fleet, the ‘Sword Arm’ of the Indian Navy, under the Western Naval Command.