Navy Set to Commission Cutting-Edge Russia-Built Stealth Frigate ‘Tamal’ on July 1: What You Need to Know

NEW DELHI: On July 1, the Indian Navy is set to welcome its latest stealth multirole frigate, Tamal. This commissioning takes place at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. It marks an important shift towards India’s focus on self-reliance in defense through programs like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India.

The ceremony will be led by Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, the chief of the Western Naval Command. Tamal is expected to make its way to India by September and will join the Navy’s fleet based in Mumbai.

Tamal is the eighth Krivak-class frigate to be inducted into the Indian Navy over the last twenty years. This addition significantly strengthens India’s presence in the Indian Ocean region. The ship is a part of the Tushil class, a newer version that is more advanced than the earlier Talwar and Teg classes, which also include three ships each.

According to the Navy, India is working on two additional Triput-class frigates at Goa Shipyard Limited, using Russian technology. The name “Tamal” is derived from a mythical sword wielded by Indra, the king of gods, while its mascot merges elements from Indian and Russian folklore, featuring the Jambavant and the Eurasian Brown Bear.

With Tamal, India will operate ten warships that share similar capabilities and equipment across four different classes. This standardization enhances operational efficiency.

Experts note that Tamal boasts a high firepower-to-tonnage ratio. Weighing in at 3,900 tons, it can reach speeds exceeding 30 knots, offering both endurance and agility in operations. The ship is part of a $2.5 billion deal with Russia, which also includes the construction of additional warships at the Goa Shipyard.

The first ship from this deal, INS Tushil, was commissioned last December and has quickly become a symbol of India’s maritime strength. The Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, described it as a significant milestone in India-Russia relations.

These ships incorporate approximately 26% indigenous content, doubling what was found in earlier models. Contributions come from companies like Bharat Electronics Limited and BrahMos Aerospace, showcasing advancements in local manufacturing capabilities.

Equipped with sophisticated weapons systems—including BrahMos missiles and advanced air-defense systems—Tamal is designed for modern naval warfare, reflecting India’s growing maritime ambitions.

Interestingly, social media users have expressed pride and excitement over the commissioning of Tamal, highlighting its symbolic value in asserting India’s naval power. This enthusiasm mirrors broader trends of national pride in India’s self-sufficiency in defense capabilities.

As the Indian Navy continues to modernize, the commissioning of Tamal stands as a testament to both India’s technological advancements and its commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region.

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