INS Tamal: Indian Navy Commissions Advanced Russia-Built Stealth Frigate

In a significant milestone for India's maritime defense capabilities, the Indian Navy is set to commission its newest stealth frigate, INS Tamal, on July 1, 2025, in Kaliningrad, Russia. As part of Project 1135.6, this warship represents the last of the four advanced frigates acquired under a $2.5 billion India-Russia defense agreement.

Designed for multi-role warfare and equipped with some of the most modern technologies available, INS Tamal is expected to boost the Navy’s presence in the Indo-Pacific region and reinforce the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) by integrating indigenous systems into global platforms.

A Strategic Milestone in Indo-Russian Naval Cooperation

The commissioning of INS Tamal reflects the culmination of a long-standing collaboration between India and Russia in defense manufacturing. Built at Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, this is the second warship in the pair being constructed in Russia, while the remaining two are being built at Goa Shipyard Limited in India under a technology transfer arrangement.

Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh is scheduled to oversee the commissioning, highlighting the importance of the event in India’s naval modernization roadmap.

INS Tamal Specifications and Design Highlights

INS Tamal belongs to the upgraded Krivak-class frigates (Talwar-class in Indian service), with significant improvements in sensors, stealth, and firepower. The ship has a displacement of approximately 3,900 tons and a top speed exceeding 30 knots, offering both agility and endurance.

Key specifications:

• Length: ~125 meters

• Stealth Design: Enhanced radar cross-section reduction and low IR signature

• Operational Range: Long-range deployment readiness for blue-water missions

• Helicopter Deck: Equipped to handle multi-role naval helicopters

Cutting-Edge Technology and Indian Integration

One of the most remarkable aspects of INS Tamal is the integration of Indian systems, with more than 26% of the ship’s onboard technologies sourced from Indian defense manufacturers. Notable contributors include:

• Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)

• BrahMos Aerospace

• Keltron and Elcome Marine

• Tata Nova and Johnson Controls

These companies supplied around 33 critical systems, including combat management, power distribution, and navigation units, making INS Tamal a blend of Russian engineering and Indian innovation.

Advanced Armament and Combat Capabilities

INS Tamal is armed with a versatile and lethal weapons suite to ensure dominance in all spheres of maritime warfare:

1. Anti-Ship and Land Attack

• Equipped with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system, capable of precision strikes at long ranges.

2. Air Defense

• Features the Shtil-1 Vertical Launch System (VLS), housing 24 missiles for engaging aerial threats.

3. Close-In Weapon System (CIWS)

• A 30mm CIWS ensures point-defense against incoming missiles and aircraft.

4. Main Gun

• A 100mm naval gun, enhanced for rapid fire and accuracy in surface combat.

5. Anti-Submarine Warfare

• Integrated with heavyweight torpedoes, rocket launchers, and HUMSA NG Mk II sonar, offering robust undersea threat detection and neutralization.

Operational Benefits for the Indian Navy

The induction of INS Tamal brings substantial operational advantages:

• Multi-domain versatility: Suited for surface, air, and underwater combat.

• Strategic deterrence: Capable of rapid deployment in critical maritime zones.

• Fleet synergy: Seamless integration with India’s existing frigate fleet ensures consistent training, maintenance, and mission execution.

• Made-in-India edge: Promotes the government's defense indigenization efforts.

Cost and Procurement Context

INS Tamal is part of a broader $2.5 billion deal between India and Russia, which includes:

• Two frigates constructed in Russia (including Tamal)

• Two built at Goa Shipyard with Russian technology and assistance

Each ship in the deal is estimated to cost around $625 million, inclusive of advanced systems and support infrastructure.

The Road Ahead

Once commissioned, INS Tamal will make its journey to India and is expected to join the Western Naval Command in Mumbai by September 2025. Its arrival will further strengthen India’s maritime security framework, especially amid evolving challenges in the Indian Ocean Region and Indo-Pacific corridor.

Conclusion

The commissioning of INS Tamal marks a defining chapter in the Indian Navy’s modernization journey. With advanced stealth features, superior firepower, and an infusion of indigenous technology, it reflects not only India’s rising maritime stature but also its growing defense manufacturing capabilities. As the last imported frigate under this project, INS Tamal paves the way for a future where such complex platforms are entirely made in India.