INS Tamal Inducted into Indian Navy: A Stealth Frigate Strengthening India's Maritime Might

National News: In a landmark moment for India’s maritime defense, the Indian Navy officially commissioned INS Tamal, a stealth-guided missile frigate constructed at Russia’s Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad. The event, rich in naval tradition, witnessed the presence of top defense officials from India and Russia. The ceremony was led by Vice Admiral Sanjay J. Singh, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, who served as the chief guest. Named after the mythological sword of Lord Indra, Tamal reflects India’s cultural heritage while standing as a symbol of its expanding naval strength and strategic ties with Russia.

Western Deployment Across Key Sea Lanes

Spanning 125 meters in length and weighing approximately 3,900 tonnes, INS Tamal will operate under the jurisdiction of the Western Naval Command, covering areas from the Arabian Sea to the western Indian Ocean, including waters near Karachi. This stealth frigate incorporates over 26% indigenous technology, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, enabling it to hit both land and sea targets with precision.

Heavy Weaponry and Multi-Layered Defense

Equipped with the advanced ‘Shtil’ Vertical Launch System, the warship features both short- and medium-range missiles, capable of intercepting enemy drones, fighter aircraft, and cruise threats.

In addition, the vessel mounts a 100 mm A-190-01 naval gun and the AK-630 CIWS (Close-In Weapon System), which delivers rapid-fire capability at 5,000 rounds per minute, offering tight-range defense against aerial or missile threats.

It can also deploy helicopters like the Kamov-28 for submarine detection and Kamov-31 for long-range radar surveillance, making it a multi-domain combat platform.

Power, Precision, and Indigenous Backbone

The ship’s maximum speed exceeds 30 knots, and it carries long-range cruise missiles with a reach of up to 450 kilometers. A modern electro-optical/infrared tracking system allows day-and-night targeting.

To counter submarine threats, the frigate is armed with heavyweight torpedoes and RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers. It also boasts the indigenous HUMSA NG MK-II sonar system, developed by DRDO and BEL, enhancing its underwater surveillance and strike capability.

More than 33 Indian-developed systems are integrated onboard, with major contributions from companies like BEL, BrahMos Aerospace, Tata Advanced Systems, Keltron, and Johnson Controls India.

Digitally Integrated for Modern Naval Warfare

INS Tamal is built to handle complex multi-domain missions. Its network-centric architecture includes advanced combat management systems, tracking radars, and fire-control mechanisms, making it fully capable of executing coordinated strikes and surveillance operations in real-time.

Final Russian-Built Addition to Indian Naval Fleet

INS Tamal represents the final Indian warship constructed abroad as part of the ₹21,000 crore Indo-Russian defense pact inked in 2016. The deal involves four stealth frigates: Tamal and Tushil built in Russia for ₹8,000 crore, and two more under construction at Goa Shipyard for ₹13,000 crore.

Once all four ships are commissioned, India’s Navy will have a total of 10 state-of-the-art frigates, significantly expanding its blue-water capabilities.

Rigorous Trials and Crew Training in Harsh Conditions

Over 250 naval personnel received specialized training in Russia’s Baltic region, involving live weapon exercises, sub-zero operations, and naval war simulations. The frigate successfully passed exhaustive sea trials over three months, validating its systems, weapons, and overall seaworthiness.

‘The Great Bears’: A Mascot with Meaning

INS Tamal’s identity draws from both Indian mythology and Russian heritage. While its name evokes Indra’s divine sword, its mascot — a fusion of the mythical bear-king Jambavan and the Russian Eurasian brown bear — symbolizes strength, vigilance, and bilateral unity. The ship’s crew proudly call themselves “The Great Bears,” embodying courage and discipline on the high seas.