Indian Navy to Commission Stealth Frigate “Tamal” in Russia
The Indian Navy is set to commission its latest stealth multi-role frigate, “Tamal,” on July 1, 2025, at Kaliningrad, Russia.
“Tamal” is the eighth of the series of Krivak class frigates inducted from Russia over the past two decades and the second ship of the Tushil Class, an upgraded version of the Talwar and Teg classes. The Indian Navy is also building two similar frigates, called the Triput class, at Goa Shipyard Limited, with transfer of technology and design assistance from Russia.
The 125m long, 3900-ton warship is equipped with advanced capabilities, including the BrahMos long-range cruise missile for targeting both sea and land, vertical launched surface-to-air missiles, improved 100 MM gun, new age EO/IR system, and a host of surveillance and fire control radars and systems.
The ship has 26% indigenous components, including the BrahMos missile system. The collaboration between Indian naval specialists and Severnoye Design Bureau of Russia has enhanced the indigenous content of the ship. The number of made-in-India systems has more than doubled to 33.
The ship’s name, “Tamal,” symbolizes the mythical sword used by Indra, the King of the gods. The ship’s mascot is inspired by the congruence of the ‘Jambavant’ and the Russian National Animal, the Eurasian Brown Bear. The ship’s crew collectively takes great pride in calling themselves the ‘The Great Bears’.
The ceremony will be presided over by Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, as the Chief Guest.
Upon commissioning, “Tamal” will join the Western Fleet under the Western Naval Command. The ship will not only be a symbol of Indian Navy’s growing capabilities but also exemplify the collaborative strength of the India-Russia partnership.
