New Delhi: In a significant step towards bolstering maritime strength and technological prowess, the Indian Navy is set to commission its newest stealth multi-role frigate ‘Tamal’ on 1st July 2025 at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, Russia. The commissioning ceremony will be presided over by Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, in the presence of senior dignitaries and officials from both India and Russia.
🇮🇳 ‘TAMAL’ – A STRATEGIC ADDITION TO THE INDIAN NAVY’S STEALTH FLEET
INS Tamal, the eighth ship in the Krivak-class series, is the second vessel of the Tushil Class—a more advanced version of the Talwar and Teg class stealth frigates. This warship signifies two decades of Indo-Russian naval collaboration, with India constructing two additional vessels of this class—Triput class—at Goa Shipyard Limited under a transfer of technology agreement.
Upon completion of the full series, India will operate 10 stealth frigates across four classes with a common weapons and sensor configuration, significantly enhancing operational synergy and logistical efficiency.
⚙️ DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT & CONSTRUCTION
Tamal’s construction at Yantar Shipyard was closely supervised by the Warship Overseeing Team (WOT), Kaliningrad, functioning under the Embassy of India, Moscow. The project was centrally managed by the Directorate of Ship Production, under the Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition at the Indian Naval Headquarters.
The ship is a reflection of Indo-Russian technological fusion, embodying precision engineering and shared expertise in naval architecture. The design, developed in collaboration with Severnoye Design Bureau, integrates enhanced stealth features, improved sea-keeping abilities, and better survivability characteristics.
🚀 ARMAMENTS, CAPABILITIES & INDIGENOUS COMPONENTS
Tamal is equipped with:
- BrahMos long-range supersonic cruise missiles for land and sea-based precision strikes
- Vertical Launch Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SAM) system
- Upgraded 100mm naval gun
- EO/IR systems, CIWS (30mm), heavyweight torpedoes, and anti-submarine rocket launchers
- Advanced fire control radars, surface surveillance systems, and the HUMSA NG Mk II sonar
Tamal also incorporates:
- Advanced Electronic Warfare suites
- Network-Centric Warfare capabilities
- Helicopter operating capability for AEW and ASW roles
The ship boasts a top speed of over 30 knots, 3900-ton displacement, and a crew complement of 250, all trained under extreme winter conditions in St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad.
🔧 INDIAN CONTRIBUTION TO WARSHIP BUILDING
Reflecting India’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, Tamal includes 26% indigenous components, up from previous classes. Over 33 major Indian systems have been integrated, with significant contributions from:
- BrahMos Aerospace
- Bharat Electronics Limited
- Keltron
- Nova Integrated Systems (Tata Group)
- Elcome Marine
- Johnson Controls India
This warship marks India’s final major naval acquisition from foreign sources, with the Indian Navy poised to fully transition to indigenous warship building in the future.
🛡️ SYMBOLISM AND MOTTO
The name ‘Tamal’ draws from the mythical sword wielded by Indra, symbolizing valour and might. The ship’s mascot is inspired by the Jambavant, the immortal bear king from Indian mythology, merged with the Eurasian Brown Bear, the national animal of Russia. The crew proudly call themselves ‘The Great Bears’.
The ship’s motto, ‘Sarvada Sarvatra Vijaya’ (Victorious Always, Everytime), reinforces the Navy’s unwavering spirit of combat readiness, maritime dominance, and national service.
⚓ A TESTAMENT TO INDO-RUSSIAN FRIENDSHIP & NAVAL EXCELLENCE
Tamal’s commissioning represents more than just a military acquisition; it is a symbol of India-Russia strategic collaboration, joint technological innovation, and enduring diplomatic friendship.
Upon entering service, INS Tamal will join the Western Fleet—the ‘Sword Arm’ of the Indian Navy—under the Western Naval Command. It will significantly enhance India’s maritime operational capability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and beyond.
✅ Conclusion
As the Indian Navy charts its future under the ‘Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive, and Future-Ready Force’ doctrine, INS Tamal becomes a formidable addition to its arsenal. Combining Indian ingenuity with Russian craftsmanship, it reflects India’s steady march towards self-reliance in defence while showcasing a new era of strategic and technological maritime strength. With Tamal setting sail, the Indian Navy reaffirms its commitment to protecting national maritime interests—anytime, anywhere.
For more details, check press release on PIB website.
For real-time updayes, visit Channel 6 Network.
