Indian Navy Set to Commission Stealth Frigate 'Tamal' in Russia

Induction of 'Tamal' into the Indian Navy

The Indian Navy is preparing to officially induct its latest stealth multi-role frigate, 'Tamal', on July 1 in Kaliningrad, Russia, as announced in an official statement released on Sunday. Vice Admiral Sanjay J. Singh, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, will be the chief guest at the ceremony, which will also be attended by numerous high-ranking officials from both India and Russia.

Specifications and Class of 'Tamal'

'Tamal' is the eighth vessel in the Krivak class series and the second of the Tushil class. This frigate is an enhanced version of three previous Talwar and Taig class ships that have been integrated into the Indian Navy over the past two decades.

Collaboration and Indigenous Development

As part of a broader contract for the Tushil class, India is also constructing two similar frigates, known as the Triput class, at Goa Shipyard Limited, with technology transfer and design support from Russia.

Future Fleet Composition

Upon completion of all ships in this series, the Indian Navy will operate ten warships across four different classes, all equipped with comparable capabilities, equipment, weapons, and sensors.

Construction Oversight

The construction of 'Tamal' was closely monitored by an Indian team from the Warship Overseeing Team based in Kaliningrad, under the guidance of the Indian Embassy in Moscow.

Indigenous Components and Upgrades

'Tamal' was built at Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad and is the last warship to be inducted from a foreign source, aligning with the Indian government's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India' initiatives. The ship incorporates 26% indigenous components, including the BrahMos long-range cruise missile, capable of targeting both land and sea.

Advanced Weaponry and Capabilities

The frigate boasts significant upgrades over its predecessors, featuring vertical launch surface-to-air missiles, an improved 100 mm gun, a modern EO/IR system, and a range of surveillance and fire control radars. It is also equipped with heavyweight torpedoes and anti-submarine rockets.

Operational Features

'Tamal' can deploy Air Early Warning and Multi Role helicopters from its deck, enhancing its combat capabilities with advanced Network Centric Warfare features and an Electronic Warfare suite. The ship has a high tonnage-to-firepower ratio, extended endurance, and can reach speeds exceeding 30 knots. Its crew of over 250 personnel has undergone extensive training in the challenging winter conditions of St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad.

Symbolism and Heritage

The name 'Tamal' is derived from a mythical sword wielded by Indra, the King of the gods. The ship's mascot reflects the combination of 'Jambavant', the Immortal Bear King from Indian mythology, and the Eurasian Brown Bear, Russia's national animal. The crew proudly refers to themselves as 'The Great Bears'.

Commitment to Excellence

'Tamal' embodies the enduring Indo-Russian partnership and the Indian Navy's commitment to operational excellence, as reflected in its motto, 'Sarvada Sarvatra Vijaya' (Victorious Always Everywhere). The warship weighs approximately 3,900 tonnes and measures 125 meters in length, developed in collaboration with Indian naval experts and the Severnoye Design Bureau of Russia.

Joining the Indian Navy's Fleet

Upon its commissioning, 'Tamal' will become part of the Indian Navy's Western Fleet, known as the 'Sword Arm', symbolizing the growing capabilities of the Indian Navy and the strength of the India-Russia alliance. Notably, on December 9, INS Tushil (F 70), another multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, was commissioned at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad.