Indian Navy set to commission stealth frigate 'Tamal' in Kaliningrad on July 1
New Delhi, Jun 22: The Indian Navy is poised to commission its latest stealth multi-role frigate, INS Tamal, at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia, on July 1. Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, will preside over the ceremony as the Chief Guest, alongside senior officials from the Indian and Russian governments and defence establishments. INS Tamal is the second ship of the Tushil class, an upgraded lineage of the Talwar and Teg class frigates, and the eighth Krivak-class warship acquired from Russia in the past two decades. The Tushil-class programme also includes two ships being built in India, known as the Triput class, under a technology transfer agreement with Russia. Once complete, the Indian Navy will operate ten frigates across four closely related classes, featuring commonality in systems, sensors, and armament.
Built by the Yantar Shipyard, INS Tamal is the last foreign-built warship to be inducted into the Indian Navy. The ship incorporates 26% indigenous systems, including the Indo-Russian BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, capable of engaging targets on both land and sea.
With a length of 125 metres and a displacement of 3,900 tons, INS Tamal delivers formidable combat capability. Its advanced arsenal includes vertically launched surface-to-air missiles, a modern 100mm naval gun, EO/IR systems, 30mm close-in weapon systems (CIWS), heavyweight torpedoes, and anti-submarine rocket launchers. The ship is also equipped with state-of-the-art radar and fire-control systems, HUMSA NG Mk II sonar, and a surface surveillance radar complex.
A notable addition is the ship’s ability to operate airborne force multipliers including Early Warning and Multi-Role helicopters, which enhance its reach and situational awareness. Enhanced network-centric warfare and electronic warfare suites further elevate Tamal’s operational edge. Capable of speeds exceeding 30 knots, it boasts high endurance and an impressive firepower-to-tonnage ratio.
The crew of over 250 personnel has undergone extensive training—both onshore and at sea—amid the harsh winter conditions of St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad. The ship has successfully completed a rigorous three-month trial phase, validating the performance of all systems, weapons, and sensors.
Named after the mythical sword of Indra, the king of the gods, Tamal carries deep cultural symbolism. Its mascot blends Indian and Russian iconography: the legendary Jambavant, the immortal bear king of Indian mythology, and the Eurasian Brown Bear, Russia’s national animal. The crew proudly calls themselves “The Great Bears”, and the ship’s motto, Sarvada Sarvatra Vijaya ("Victorious Always Everytime"), reinforces the Navy’s commitment to operational excellence. Upon commissioning, INS Tamal will join the Western Fleet—the "Sword Arm" of the Indian Navy—under the Western Naval Command.
