The Indian Navy is set to commission its latest stealth multi-role frigate, INS Tamal, on July 1 at Kaliningrad, Russia, marking a significant milestone in the Navy's ongoing efforts to enhance maritime capabilities. According to an official statement issued on Sunday, the commissioning ceremony will be presided over by Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, as the Chief Guest. The event will be attended by several senior officials from both the Indian and Russian governments and defence establishments.
INS Tamal is the eighth Krivak-class frigate to be inducted from Russia over the past two decades and the second vessel of the upgraded Tushil class. The Tushil class is a more advanced variant of the earlier Talwar and Teg class frigates, which also included three ships each. Under the broader agreement for the Tushil class, India is simultaneously building two similar frigates under the Triput class at Goa Shipyard Limited, with design support and technology transfer from Russia. Upon the completion of this series, the Indian Navy will operate a total of ten stealth frigates across four classes with commonality in sensors, equipment, and weapons, significantly enhancing operational flexibility and logistics efficiency.
INS Tamal has been constructed at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, under the supervision of a dedicated team of Indian specialists from the Warship Overseeing Team, operating under the Embassy of India in Moscow. The project was guided at Naval Headquarters by the Directorate of Ship Production under the Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition. The ship is the last major warship to be inducted from a foreign source and aligns with the Indian government’s focus on ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives. The vessel incorporates 26 percent indigenous components and systems, with significant contributions from Indian defence firms.
The ship's armament includes the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system for both sea and land targets, vertical launch surface-to-air missiles, an upgraded 100 mm main gun, modern electro-optical and infrared systems, a 30 mm close-in weapon system, heavyweight torpedoes, rocket-based anti-submarine weapons, and an advanced suite of surveillance and fire-control radars. It also features cutting-edge Indian-origin equipment such as the HUMSA NG Mk II sonar, a surface surveillance radar complex, and an anti-submarine weapon firing system. The indigenous content has not only increased in terms of hardware but also in software and network-centric warfare capabilities, including state-of-the-art communication and data-link systems.
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Tamal is capable of deploying airborne early warning and multi-role helicopters, further enhancing its operational reach. With a displacement of approximately 3,900 tonnes and a length of 125 meters, the ship boasts a high tonnage-to-firepower ratio, extended endurance, and a top speed exceeding 30 knots. Its combat systems have been rigorously tested through extensive sea trials over a three-month period. The ship's crew, comprising over 250 personnel, has undergone intensive training in the challenging winter conditions of St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad to ensure full operational readiness.
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Symbolically, the name ‘Tamal’ refers to a mythical sword wielded by Lord Indra, the King of the Gods. The ship's mascot reflects the Indo-Russian partnership, combining the Indian mythological figure Jambavant—the Immortal Bear King—with the Eurasian Brown Bear, Russia’s national animal. The crew proudly identify themselves as “The Great Bears.” The ship’s motto, “Sarvada Sarvatra Vijaya” (Victorious Always Every Time), reflects the Indian Navy’s unwavering commitment to mission success and operational excellence.
Upon commissioning, Tamal will be assigned to the Western Fleet under the Western Naval Command, often referred to as the 'Sword Arm' of the Indian Navy. The commissioning will also highlight the deep-rooted strategic and defence ties between India and Russia, which continue to play a vital role in India’s naval modernisation. The induction of Tamal follows the recent commissioning of INS Tushil (F70) at the same Yantar Shipyard on December 9 last year, further strengthening India’s maritime deterrence and power projection in the region.
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