New Delhi- The Indian Navy will commission its newest stealth multi-role frigate, INS Tamal, on July 1 at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia, marking the final warship to be inducted from a foreign shipyard under the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India drive.
The commissioning ceremony will be overseen by Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. The frigate is expected to arrive on India’s west coast in September, after which it will join the Mumbai-based Western Fleet, according to naval sources.
A Powerful Addition to India’s Maritime Arsenal
INS Tamal is the eighth Krivak-class frigate acquired from Russia over the past two decades. It is the second vessel in the upgraded Tushil class, following INS Tushil, which was commissioned in December 2024.
As part of a $2.5 billion India-Russia defense deal, four frigates were contracted—two built at Russia’s Yantar Shipyard, and two under construction at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) with Russian technology transfer and design assistance.
“Tamal punches well above its weight with a high tonnage-to-firepower ratio, extended endurance, and top speed exceeding 30 knots,” the Navy said.
Tamal: Symbolism and Capabilities
The name ‘Tamal’ is inspired by the mythical sword of Indra, the King of Gods in Indian mythology. Its mascot fuses the Indian legendary figure Jambavant, the immortal bear king, with Russia’s national animal, the Eurasian Brown Bear — a nod to Indo-Russian collaboration.
Key weaponry and features:
- BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles (India-Russia JV)
- Shtil long-range surface-to-air missiles
- Upgraded medium-range guns
- Close-in weapon systems (CIWS)
- Torpedoes and anti-submarine rockets
The frigate boasts 26% indigenous content, double that of the previous Teg-class. This includes components from 33 Indian firms, such as:
- Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL)
- BrahMos Aerospace
- Nova Integrated Systems (Tata Advanced Systems)
10-Ship Stealth Fleet by 2025
With INS Tamal, the Indian Navy will operate ten frigates of similar design and capabilities across four related classes — Talwar, Teg, Tushil, and Triput (the latter under construction at GSL). The design continuity ensures operational synergy and commonality in weapons, sensors, and systems.
The induction marks a strategic milestone in India’s maritime preparedness, with enhanced presence and deterrence capability in the Indian Ocean Region.