The Indian Navy is set to commission its latest stealth multi-role frigate ‘Tamal’ on July 1 at Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia, marking a significant milestone in India-Russia defence cooperation.
The commissioning ceremony will be presided over by Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, in the presence of senior Indian and Russian defence officials.
Tamal is the eighth Krivak-class frigate to be inducted into the Indian Navy and the second in the upgraded Tushil class, following the Talwar and Teg classes. The Tushil class boasts enhanced capabilities including stealth, improved weapons systems, and advanced electronic warfare suites.
According to the official statement, two similar frigates under the Triput class are being built in Goa Shipyard Limited with Russian technical collaboration, underlining the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives. Tamal itself incorporates 26% indigenous components, with Indian systems including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, HUMSA NG Mk II sonar, and Surface Surveillance Radar.
The 3,900-tonne frigate is 125 meters long and capable of exceeding 30 knots, with a high firepower-to-weight ratio. It features vertical launch surface-to-air missiles, a 100 mm naval gun, 30 mm close-in weapon systems (CIWS), heavyweight torpedoes, and anti-submarine rocket launchers. It is also equipped to operate multi-role and AEW helicopters, enhancing its operational reach.
Built in collaboration with the Severnoye Design Bureau, the frigate underwent three months of extensive sea trials in the harsh winter conditions of St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad, overseen by Indian naval experts from the Warship Overseeing Team under the Indian Embassy in Moscow.
The ship’s name, ‘Tamal’, refers to a mythical sword of Indra, the king of gods. Its mascot symbolizes the fusion of Jambavant, the immortal bear-king of Indian mythology, and Russia’s Eurasian Brown Bear, earning its crew the moniker “The Great Bears.”
The vessel’s motto, ‘Sarvada Sarvatra Vijaya’ (Victorious Always Everywhere), represents the Indian Navy’s unwavering commitment to operational excellence.
Upon commissioning, Tamal will join the Western Fleet, also known as the Sword Arm of the Indian Navy, reinforcing maritime strength in the Arabian Sea and beyond.
This commissioning follows the induction of INS Tushil (F70) on December 9, highlighting India’s consistent progress in bolstering naval capabilities through international defence cooperation.
