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INS Tamal
Stealth frigate INS Tamal to be commissioned on July 1
Context: The Indian Navy is poised to induct its latest stealth multi-role frigate, INS Tamal, at a commissioning ceremony scheduled for July 1 in Kaliningrad, Russia.
What is INS Tamal?
- INS Tamal is a Tushil-class guided-missile stealth frigate built under Project 11356 at Russia’s Yantar Shipyard, and is the eighth Krivak-class vessel inducted by the Indian Navy.
- It is the fourth and final frigate under the 2016 Indo-Russian agreement, incorporating both Indian and Russian technologies.
- This is the last major foreign-built warship for India, reflecting the shift toward Atmanirbhar Bharat and the Make in India defence initiative.
What Are the Key Features and Technologies of INS Tamal?
Design and Capabilities
- Length: ~125 metres
- Beam: 15 metres
- Displacement: ~3,900–4,000 tonnes
- Propulsion: Gas turbine
- Top speed: Over 30 knots
- Crew capacity: 250+ trained in harsh Russian winter conditions (St. Petersburg & Kaliningrad)
- Warship blends Indian and Russian technologies, with 26% indigenous components.
- It is equipped with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system for both anti-ship and land-attack roles.
- The arsenal includes vertical launched surface-to-air missiles, an improved 100mm gun, heavyweight torpedoes, urgent-attack anti-submarine rockets, and advanced surveillance and fire control radars.
- The ship features next-generation network-centric warfare capabilities, a modern electronic warfare suite, and advanced communication systems.
- Enhanced stealth and stability characteristics, along with a top speed exceeding 30 knots and extended endurance, make it a formidable platform.
How Does INS Tamal Fit into the Indian Navy’s Broader Plans?
- INS Tamal will join the Western Fleet, the “Sword Arm” of the Indian Navy, under the Western Naval Command.
- India is also building two similar frigates under the Triput class at Goa Shipyard Ltd with Russian design assistance, aiming for a total of 10 ships with similar capabilities across four classes.
- The Navy’s broader plan is to expand to around 180 warships and 350 aircraft and helicopters by 2030.
SYMBOLISM AND LEGACY
- Name meaning: Tamal – refers to a mythical sword of Indra, the king of gods
- Mascot inspiration: Combination of Jambavant (immortal bear king from Indian mythology) and the Eurasian brown bear (Russia’s national animal)
