Indian Navy to Commission Stealth Frigate 'Tamal' in Russia on July 1st, Kaliningrad, Russia
In a move to consolidate its naval supremacy, the Indian Navy is all set to commission its latest stealth multi-role frigate, INS Tamal, on 1st July 2025 at Kaliningrad's Yantar Shipyard in Russia. The commissioning ceremony will be commanded by Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command, and witnessed by top defence officials from India and Russia.
Tamal: The Next Stepping Stone in Naval Power
INS Tamal is of the Tushil-class, an upgraded series of stealth frigates as a successor to the Talwar and Teg classes. It is the second of the Tushil series and the eighth Krivak-class frigate constructed for Russia's co-operation in India. Though Tamal and its predecessor were constructed in Russia, another two ships of the same class — Triput class — are being constructed at Goa Shipyard Limited, courtesy of Russian technology transfer and assistance. Once ready, ten advanced frigates constructed over four classes but with identical equipment, sensors, and combat missions will be operated by the Indian Navy.
From Russian Shipyard to Indian Service
The vessel was constructed with close monitoring from an Indian team deployed in Kaliningrad and working under the aegis of the Embassy of India in Moscow. The project was overseen by the Directorate of Ship Production under the Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition at Naval Headquarters.
Though built overseas, Tamal is the indicator of a new direction towards self-sufficiency, a reflection of India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' mission. The frigate contains 26% indigenous material, and Indian systems such as the BrahMos cruise missile, being prominent among them, contribute significantly to its firepower.
- Loaded with Firepower: Tamal's Capabilities.
- Tamal is stealthy and lethal. 125 meters long and 3,900 tons heavy, it boasts.
- Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) for surface-to-air missiles.
- Enhanced 100mm main gun.
- Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) systems.
- CIWS for close threats.
- Heavyweight torpedoes and ASW rocket launchers.
- Sophisticated radars and fire control systems.
- Network-centric warfare technology and electronic warfare systems.
The ship is also capable of launching Air Early Warning and Multi-Role helicopters to improve surveillance and combat agility. Tamal is designed for endurance and high-speed combat with speeds over 30 knots.
Training and Trials: Built for Battle
The crew of more than 250 seamen from the ship was rigorously trained in the extreme winter conditions of St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad. Tamal passed three months of tough sea trials successfully, testing its complete set of systems and weaponry under real operational scenarios.
Spirit of 'Tamal': A Symbol of Strength
The name 'Tamal' has Indian mythological origins as the name for a mighty sword carried by Indra, the god king. The mascot of the ship is a mix of Indian and Russian symbolism — a combination of 'Jambavant', the eternal bear king of Indian mythology, with the Eurasian Brown Bear, the national animal of Russia. As a unification, the crew members affectionately call themselves 'The Great Bears'.
The vessel's motto, 'Sarvada Sarvatra Vijaya' (Always Victorious, Everywhere), is an affirmation of the Indian Navy's consistent quest for mission success, reaffirming its vision to be a credible, cohesive, and future-capable force.
Built with Pride, Sailed with Purpose
INS Tamal is a product of Indo-Russian cooperation, bringing together Russian shipbuilding tradition with Indian technology. Some of the major Indian companies behind its systems are BrahMos Aerospace, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Keltron, Nova Integrated Systems (TATA), Elcome Marine, Johnson Controls India, and others. These collaborations have doubled the number of Indian systems on board, demonstrating the Navy's drive to indigenize.
A New Warrior Joins the Fleet
On commissioning, Tamal will become part of the Western Fleet, traditionally referred to as the "Sword Arm" of the Indian Navy. The ship will be an important strategic asset in the security of India's maritime interests, projecting reach and deterrence power across the Indian Ocean and even beyond.
INS Tamal is not merely another warship — it's an icon of resilience, partnership, and forward-looking spirit. With strength, accuracy, and determination, it becomes operational as a new watchman of India's seas.
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