By N. C. Bipindra
New Delhi/Kaliningrad: India’s maritime power received a major boost with the commissioning of INS Tamal (F71), the Indian Navy’s final foreign-built stealth frigate, at Russia’s Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad. Designed to enhance India’s naval capabilities in the Indo-Pacific, the cutting-edge warship is aimed squarely at strengthening deterrence against China and Pakistan.
The ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command. Also present were Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, the Indian Navy’s Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition, and Vice Admiral Sergei Lipin, Commander of the Baltic Fleet of the Russian Federation Navy.
Last of Its Kind, First in Combat Potential
INS Tamal is the eighth and final warship in the Project 1135.6 (Krivak IV) series and the second of the follow-on Tushil-class frigates. The first ship of the Tushil-class, INS Tushil, was commissioned in December 2024.
Although constructed in Russia, INS Tamal incorporates 26% Indian indigenous systems, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and the Humsa-NG Sonar, symbolising deep Indo-Russian defence collaboration. The next two frigates of this class will be built in India, reflecting the country’s growing shipbuilding capabilities and push for self-reliance in defence.
Packed with Firepower and Future-Ready
Commanded by Captain Sridhar Tata, an expert in gunnery and missile warfare, INS Tamal is a fully networked, multi-dimensional combat platform capable of executing a wide array of missions across air, surface, sub-surface, and electronic warfare domains.
The ship has successfully test-fired all its Russian-origin weapon systems, including:
- Shtil-1 vertical-launch surface-to-air missiles
- 100mm naval gun
- 30mm Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS)
- Heavyweight torpedoes
- ASW rocket launchers
In addition, Tamal is armed with the dual-role BrahMos missiles, enabling precise and high-speed long-range strikes against both sea and land targets.
Smart Combat Platform with Advanced Systems
INS Tamal’s combat management system integrates all sensors and weaponry into a unified, intelligent battle network. Its electronic warfare suite and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems provide advanced threat detection and targeting capabilities.
The warship is fully equipped to deploy both the Kamov-28 anti-submarine warfare helicopter and the Kamov-31 airborne early warning helicopter, significantly extending its operational reach and surveillance envelope.
Designed to operate in high-threat environments, Tamal features automated nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection systems, centralised damage control, and automated firefighting solutions — ensuring crew safety and mission continuity under extreme conditions.
Strengthening the Western Fleet
With a complement of 26 officers and 250 sailors, INS Tamal will join the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, also known as its ‘Sword Arm.’ The crew operates under the ship’s motto “Sarvatra Sarvada Vijaya” (Victory Always, Everywhere ), reflecting its unwavering commitment to India’s maritime security.
INS Tamal is scheduled to sail for its homeport of Karwar, Karnataka, shortly after commissioning. During her maiden passage to India, the frigate will call at multiple ports, demonstrating her advanced capabilities and combat readiness.
Key Takeaways:
- INS Tamal is India’s last foreign-built stealth frigate, enhancing naval firepower against China and Pakistan.
- Features BrahMos missiles, Russian weapon systems, and Indian sonar, symbolising Indo-Russian defence synergy.
- Blue water capabilities span all four warfare domains — air, surface, sub-surface, and electronic.
- Will join India’s Western Fleet, operating from Karwar Naval Base.
As India continues transitioning toward indigenisation in naval shipbuilding, INS Tamal marks the end of an era and the beginning of a more self-reliant, combat-ready maritime future.
NOTE: Follow Defence.Capital on Telegram.
NOTE: Follow Defence.Capital on WhatsApp.
