The Indian Navy is set to commission its latest stealth multi-role frigate, INS Tamal, on July 1, at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. The commissioning 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 defence officials.
INS Tamal is the eighth Krivak-class frigate to be inducted by India over the past two decades and the second ship of the upgraded Tushil class. These ships build upon the capabilities of their predecessors from the Talwar and Teg classes. As part of the Tushil-class contract, two similar frigates, named the Triput class, are also being built at Goa Shipyard Limited with Russian assistance in design and technology transfer.
The 125-metre-long, 3,900-tonne warship represents a major addition to the Navy’s combat fleet. The vessel incorporates a mix of Indian and Russian technologies, featuring enhanced stealth characteristics, improved sea-keeping, and significant weapon upgrades. Key systems include the BrahMos long-range supersonic cruise missile, vertically launched surface-to-air missiles, a modern 100 mm naval gun, electro-optical and infrared systems, heavyweight torpedoes, anti-submarine rocket launchers, and advanced radar and fire control systems. The ship is capable of deploying multi-role and airborne early warning helicopters from its flight deck, enhancing its operational versatility.
Tamal is also equipped with network-centric warfare systems and a modern electronic warfare suite. With a top speed of over 30 knots, long-range endurance, and an impressive tonnage-to-firepower ratio, the ship offers strong force projection capabilities.
Construction of Tamal was closely monitored by the Warship Overseeing Team (WOT) based in Kaliningrad, operating under the Indian Embassy in Moscow. The project was managed at Naval Headquarters by the Directorate of Ship Production under the Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition.
Tamal is the last major warship to be inducted from a foreign shipyard, in alignment with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. The indigenous content of the ship stands at 26 percent, including 33 systems developed or manufactured in India. Key Indian contributors to the ship’s systems include BrahMos Aerospace, Bharat Electronics Limited, Keltron, Nova Integrated Systems (Tata Group), Elcome Marine, and Johnson Controls India.
After rigorous training in St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad under extreme winter conditions, the ship’s crew of over 250 sailors has completed three months of sea trials, validating the ship’s full combat capability.
The name Tamal is inspired by a mythical sword wielded by Indra, the King of the Gods in Indian mythology. The ship’s mascot is a fusion of Jambavant, the immortal bear king from Indian epics, and the Eurasian Brown Bear, symbolizing the shared heritage of India and Russia. The crew proudly call themselves ‘The Great Bears’, and the ship’s motto, ‘Sarvada Sarvatra Vijaya’ (Victorious Always, Everywhere), reflects the Navy’s commitment to excellence and readiness.
Upon commissioning, Tamal will be assigned to the Western Fleet under the Western Naval Command, also known as the ‘Sword Arm’ of the Indian Navy. The ship will serve as both a symbol of India’s expanding maritime capabilities and a demonstration of the enduring Indo-Russian defence partnership.
