INS Tamal, a Talwar-class stealth frigate, was commissioned in 2025, boosting Indian Navy’s maritime power with BrahMos missiles and advanced tech
On July 1, 2025, the Indian Navy welcomed INS Tamal (F71), a state-of-the-art Talwar-class stealth frigate, commissioned at Russia’s Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad. As the eighth Krivak-class frigate acquired from Russia and the final foreign-built warship for the Navy, INS Tamal marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward self-reliance under Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. This article explores INS Tamal’s advanced capabilities, strategic importance, and its role in strengthening India’s maritime defense amid rising regional tensions.
What is INS Tamal? A Symbol of Strength and Collaboration
INS Tamal, meaning “sword” in Hindi and inspired by the mythical sword of Indra, embodies precision and power. Commanded by Captain Sridhar Tata, a gunnery and missile warfare specialist, this 3,900-tonne Tushil-class frigate joins the Western Fleet, the Navy’s “Sword Arm,” based in Karwar, Karnataka. Its mascot, combining Jambavant (the immortal bear king from Indian mythology) and Russia’s Eurasian brown bear, symbolizes the 65-year Indo-Russian defense partnership. The ship’s motto, Sarvada Sarvatra Vijaya (Victorious Always, Everywhere), reflects its commitment to operational excellence.
Built under a 2016 Indo-Russian agreement worth ₹8,000 crore, INS Tamal is the second of two frigates delivered, following INS Tushil. Originally laid down as Admiral Istomin for the Russian Navy, it was repurposed due to Ukraine’s refusal to supply engines for Russian ships amid the Russo-Ukrainian war. After rigorous sea trials from November 2024 to June 2025, including weapon firings, INS Tamal was handed over to India, becoming the 51st ship supplied by Russia.
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Advanced Features of INS Tamal: A Technological Marvel
The 125-meter-long INS Tamal is an upgraded Talwar-class frigate, designed for multi-domain warfare across air, surface, subsurface, and electronic environments. Its stealth technology minimizes radar detection, ensuring survivability in high-threat scenarios. Key features include:
- BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missiles: With a 300-400 km range and Mach 3 speed, these missiles deliver precision strikes against surface targets.
- Shtil-1 Surface-to-Air Missiles: Vertically launched, with a 50 km range for robust air defense.
- Advanced Armament: Equipped with a 100mm main gun, 30mm Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS), anti-submarine torpedoes, and rocket launchers.
- Helicopter Capability: Supports a multi-role helicopter for surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and combat support.
- Propulsion: Powered by Ukrainian Zorya-Mashproekt M7N1 gas turbines, achieving speeds over 30 knots (55 km/h) and a 3,000 km operational range per mission.
- Indigenous Systems: Incorporates 26% Indian-made components, including HUMSA-NG sonar, BrahMos missiles, and equipment from Bharat Electronics, Keltron, and Tata’s Nova Integrated Systems.
These capabilities make INS Tamal a versatile asset for blue-water operations, enhancing India’s ability to project power and secure maritime interests.
Strategic Importance in a Tense Geopolitical Landscape
The commissioning of INS Tamal comes at a critical time, with China’s expanding naval presence in the Indian Ocean and ongoing tensions with Pakistan. As part of the Western Fleet, INS Tamal strengthens India’s ability to secure vital sea lanes, protect trade routes, and counter regional threats. Its advanced weaponry and stealth features make it a formidable deterrent against adversarial naval forces.
The frigate’s induction aligns with India’s broader naval modernization efforts. According to recent reports, the Indian Navy operates over 130 vessels, with plans to expand to 200 by 2035. INS Tamal enhances this vision, providing cutting-edge capabilities to address modern maritime challenges, from piracy to high-intensity conflicts.
India’s Shift to Self-Reliant Defense Manufacturing
INS Tamal marks the end of an era for foreign-built warships in the Indian Navy. Under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, India is transitioning to indigenous warship production. Two additional Tushil-class frigates, Triput and Tavasya, are under construction at Goa Shipyard Limited under a ₹13,000 crore technology transfer deal, with delivery expected by 2027. These ships will further bolster India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
The 26% indigenous content in INS Tamal, including systems from Indian firms like Bharat Electronics and Tata, showcases the growing capabilities of India’s defense industry. This shift aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a self-sufficient defense ecosystem, with companies like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders playing pivotal roles.
How Does INS Tamal Compare to Other Frigates?
To understand INS Tamal’s significance, let’s compare its capabilities with other notable frigates:
| Feature | INS Tamal (Tushil-class) | Chinese Type 054A | US Navy Freedom-class LCS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,900 tonnes | 4,000 tonnes | 3,500 tonnes |
| Length | 125 meters | 134 meters | 115 meters |
| Speed | 30+ knots | 27 knots | 40+ knots |
| Missiles | BrahMos, Shtil-1 | HQ-16, YJ-83 | Harpoon, NSM |
| Stealth Features | Yes | Partial | Yes |
| Helicopter Support | Yes (1 multi-role) | Yes (1) | Yes (2) |
INS Tamal’s BrahMos missiles provide a significant advantage in range and speed compared to China’s YJ-83, while its stealth features rival those of modern Western frigates. However, its slightly smaller size compared to the Type 054A limits its endurance for extended missions.
Why INS Tamal Matters for India’s Maritime Security
The induction of INS Tamal reinforces India’s position as a leading maritime power in the Indo-Pacific. With China’s navy deploying advanced destroyers and Pakistan modernizing its fleet, INS Tamal ensures India maintains a strategic edge. Its ability to conduct anti-submarine, anti-air, and anti-surface operations makes it a multi-role asset for both defensive and offensive missions.
Moreover, the frigate’s commissioning highlights the importance of international collaboration. The Indo-Russian partnership has delivered 51 ships to India, with INS Tamal as a testament to this enduring relationship. As India moves toward indigenous production, such collaborations will continue to provide technological expertise.
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What’s Next for the Indian Navy?
The Indian Navy’s roadmap includes expanding its fleet with domestically built warships, submarines, and aircraft carriers. Projects like the Nilgiri-class frigates and Project 75I submarines are already underway, with a focus on integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and unmanned systems. INS Tamal’s crew, trained in Russia, will play a key role in transferring expertise to future indigenous projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is INS Tamal?
INS Tamal is a Talwar-class stealth frigate commissioned by the Indian Navy in July 2025, built in Russia with 26% indigenous Indian systems.
What are the key features of INS Tamal?
It features BrahMos missiles, Shtil-1 air defense systems, a 100mm gun, stealth technology, and a multi-role helicopter, with speeds over 30 knots.
Why is INS Tamal significant for India?
It strengthens India’s maritime defense against regional threats, marks the end of foreign-built warships, and supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat through indigenous systems.
How does INS Tamal compare to other frigates?
Its BrahMos missiles and stealth features give it an edge over competitors like China’s Type 054A, though it has a smaller displacement.
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