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.