In News:

In a landmark development for India's maritime defence, the Indian Navy is set to commission its latest stealth multi-role frigate, INS Tamal, on 1st July 2025 at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, Russia

Overview:

• Class & Series: INS Tamal is the second ship of the Tushil-class, an upgraded variant of the Talwar and Teg class frigates, forming part of the Krivak class series built under Indo-Russian cooperation.
• Total Induction: With Tamal’s addition, India will operate ten ships with common capabilities across four related classes.
• Construction: Built at Yantar Shipyard with oversight from Indian specialists under the Warship Overseeing Team (WOT), Kaliningrad, under the Embassy of India, Moscow.

Symbolism and Identity

• The name ‘Tamal’ represents the mythical sword of Indra, the King of Gods.
• The ship’s mascot blends India’s Jambavant, the immortal bear king of mythology, with Russia’s Eurasian Brown Bear, symbolising Indo-Russian defence cooperation.
• The ship’s motto: ‘Sarvada Sarvatra Vijaya’ (Victorious Always Everywhere).

Make in India & Indigenous Content

• INS Tamal is the last warship to be inducted from a foreign source, aligning with Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
• 26% indigenous content, including:
  • BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles (anti-ship & land attack roles)
  • HUMSA NG Mk II sonar, Indian radars, and communication systems
• Indian OEMs involved: BrahMos Aerospace, BEL, Keltron, Nova Integrated Systems (Tata), Elcome Marine, Johnson Controls India, among others.
• Indigenous components have more than doubled to 33 systems compared to previous imports.

Key Features & Capabilities

• Displacement: 3,900 tonnes | Length: 125 metres
• Top speed: Over 30 knots
• Armament & Combat Systems:
  • Vertically Launched Surface-to-Air Missiles (VL-SAM)
  • Improved 100 mm main gun, 30 mm CIWS
  • Heavyweight torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets
  • EO/IR system, fire control radars
• Aviation Support: Flight deck for Air Early Warning & Multi-Role helicopters
• Sensors & Network:
  • Surface Surveillance Radar
  • Advanced Electronic Warfare suite
  • Network Centric Warfare capabilities
• Trials: Successfully completed 3-month sea trials, validating systems and weapons in challenging winter conditions (St. Petersburg & Kaliningrad).

Strategic Importance

• Upon commissioning, INS Tamal will join the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet—the 'Sword Arm' of the Navy under Western Naval Command.
• Reinforces India’s blue water naval ambitions, enhancing operational readiness in multi-threat maritime environments.
• Embodies two decades of Indo-Russian naval cooperation and represents a transition towards domestic warship production.

In News:

India is set to induct INS Tamal, the second advanced stealth frigate of the Krivak-III class, built in Russia under a bilateral defence contract.

About INS Tamal

• Type & Class:INS Tamal is a 3,900-tonne stealth frigate, part of the Krivak-III class deal signed in 2016 between India and Russia. It is the sister ship of INS Tushil, commissioned in December 2024.
• Builder & Collaboration:Constructed at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia, under India-Russia defence cooperation.
  The contract includes four frigates: two built in Russia and two under construction at Goa Shipyard with technology transfer.

Key Features

• Stealth Technology:Equipped with advanced suppression systems for radio, infrared, and acoustic signatures to enhance survivability.
• Armaments:
  • BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles (range approx. 450 km)
  • Shtil surface-to-air missiles
  • Anti-submarine torpedoes and rocket launchers
• Performance:
  • Speed exceeding 30 knots
  • Can deploy Kamov-28 and Kamov-31 helicopters for anti-submarine warfare and airborne early warning.
• Automation: High automation reduces crew workload and improves operational efficiency.

Strategic Importance

• Enhances India’s blue-water naval capabilities across air, surface, underwater, and electromagnetic domains.
• Strengthens naval deterrence and force projection in the Indo-Pacific region, especially amid rising tensions in the Arabian Sea.
• Demonstrates successful Make in India initiative combined with global collaboration, as two of the frigates are being built domestically at Goa Shipyard.