INS Tamal: Newest Indian Navy Frigate to be Commissioned in Kaliningrad on July 1
The Indian Navy is poised to commission INS Tamal, its latest guided-missile stealth frigate, on July 1 in a ceremony in Kaliningrad, Russia. This event marks the induction of the eighth and final Krivak-class frigate from Russia and represents India's last import of such platforms as the nation transitions to entirely indigenous warship production.
Constructed at the Yantar Shipyard, INS Tamal embodies a blend of Russian engineering and Indian technological advances. The warship stretches 125 meters in length and weighs 3,900 tonnes, featuring an impressive array of weaponry and surveillance systems. Notably, 26 percent of its components are sourced from Indian manufacturers, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system, which offers precision strike capabilities against land and maritime targets.
The commissioning ceremony will be overseen by Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command. The event will also see the presence of senior Indian and Russian defense officials, highlighting the strategic partnership between the two nations.
INS Tamal is the second frigate of the Tushil-class, an upgraded version of the earlier Talwar and Teg classes. It will become part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, known as the ‘Sword Arm’, and is expected to significantly boost India's maritime combat readiness. The frigate is equipped with cutting-edge systems, including vertical-launched surface-to-air missiles, an enhanced 100mm naval gun, heavyweight torpedoes, rapid-attack anti-submarine rockets, and an advanced electronic warfare suite.
Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal stated that “Tamal punches well above its weight with a high tonnage-to-firepower ratio, extended endurance, and a top speed of over 30 knots.” The warship is also integrated with Indian-origin systems such as the HUMSA NG Mk II sonar, a sophisticated anti-submarine warfare complex, and the latest surface surveillance radar technologies.
The frigate's crew, comprising over 250 sailors, has undergone extensive training in the demanding winter conditions of St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad and has completed rigorous sea trials over the past three months. The ship's design features enhanced stealth characteristics and superior sea-keeping abilities, making it suitable for both combat and peacetime missions.
Symbolically named after ‘Tamal’, the mythical sword of Indra, the king of gods in Indian mythology, the frigate's mascot combines Indian and Russian cultural elements. It draws inspiration from ‘Jambavant’, the immortal bear king, and the Eurasian brown bear, Russia’s national symbol.
Meanwhile, India is constructing two additional Tushil-class frigates at Goa Shipyard Ltd under the same agreement, with design support from Russia. Once completed, the Indian Navy will operate 10 similarly equipped warships across four different classes, promoting interoperability and logistical efficiency.
INS Tamal not only enhances the capabilities of the Indian Navy but also stands as a testament to the growing synergy between Indian and Russian naval industries.
