Indian Navy To Commission Stealth Frigate 'Tamal', Its Last Warship Built At Foreign Shipyard, On 1 July

The Indian Navy is set to commission its latest stealth frigate, INS Tamal, on 1 July 2025 at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, Russia.

The ceremony will be presided over by Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, in the presence of senior Indian and Russian officials.

INS Tamal is the eighth Krivak-class frigate acquired by India from Russia over two decades and the second ship in the upgraded Tushil-class, following the earlier Talwar and Teg-class variants.

Under the broader contract, two additional ships of similar design are being constructed at Goa Shipyard Limited.

The 125-metre long, 3,900-tonne frigate boasts a high tonnage-to-firepower ratio, featuring cutting-edge Indian and Russian technologies.

With a top speed exceeding 30 knots, Tamal is equipped for multi-dimensional warfare:

• BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for land and sea targets

• Vertically launched surface-to-air missiles

• Improved 100 mm gun

• Advanced sonar and radar systems, including the HUMSA NG Mk II

• Heavyweight torpedoes, CIWS, and anti-submarine rocket systems

• Electronic warfare and network-centric capabilities

The frigate can also support multi-role and Airborne Early Warning helicopters, enhancing its reach and operational flexibility.

Constructed under the close watch of the Indian Warship Overseeing Team in Kaliningrad, the ship integrates 26 per cent indigenous components—more than double the earlier class—supplied by Indian firms such as BrahMos Aerospace, BEL, Keltron, Tata’s Nova Systems, and others.

The ship’s project was led in India by the Directorate of Ship Production under the Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition.

INS Tamal is expected to be the last major surface combatant imported from a foreign shipyard, aligning with the Government of India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives in defence manufacturing.

The ship’s name, Tamal, is inspired by the mythical weapon of Lord Indra, and its mascot blends Jambavant, the Immortal Bear King of Ramayana, with the Eurasian Brown Bear, symbolising Indo-Russian synergy.

The crew, identifying as ‘The Great Bears’, have trained under harsh Russian winter conditions and completed three months of sea trials.

With the motto ‘Sarvada Sarvatra Vijaya’ (Victorious Always Everytime), Tamal will join the Western Fleet, the Indian Navy’s 'Sword Arm', adding a significant combat edge to India’s maritime posture in the Indo-Pacific.

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