India's Last Overseas-Built Warship INS Tamal Commissioned In Russia: All You Need To Know (Photo on X@dperi84)
On Tuesday, July 1, India’s last imported warship, INS Tamal, was commissioned into the Indian Navy at an event in Kaliningrad, Russia. INS Tamal, the 125-metre-long and 3900-tonne frigate, boasts a host of missiles and surveillance systems. The name Tamal is derived from the mythical sword used by Lord Indra in combat.
The commissioning ceremony was presided over by V Adm Sanjay J Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy, as Chief Guest, in the presence of many high-ranking Indian and Russian government and defense officials.
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Tamal is an upgraded version of the Talwar and Teg classes of ships (Krivak Class, Project 1135.6). The first six ships of the Talwar & Teg class were commissioned into the Indian Navy from 2003 to 2013. The vessel was constructed at Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad under the observation of an Indian team of specialists from the Warship Overseeing Team.
Though built in Russia, the frigate has 26 per cent indigenous systems, including the BrahMos long-range cruise missile for striking targets at both sea and land, as per reports.
India and Russia had signed an intergovernmental contract worth Rs 21,000 crore to build four stealth frigates in 2016. INS Tushil and INS Tamal were constructed at a cost of about Rs 8,000 crore. INS Tushil was commissioned by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 9 December 2024 during a formal visit to Russia.
The remaining frigates, called the Triput class, are being built at Goa Shipyard Limited with “transfer of technology and design assistance” from the Russian side, as per a statement by the Ministry of Defence.
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With notable upgrades, INS Tamal comes with an enhanced arsenal and capabilities. The stealth feature provides better stability, in addition to the use of cutting-edge Indian and Russian technology. Tamal is equipped with the AK-630 30 mm Close-In Weapon System (CIWS), capable of intercepting threats such as drones and incoming anti-ship missiles.
The vessel also includes the ‘SHTIL’ vertical launch air defense system. It includes the vertical launch short-range air-to-air missile (VLSRAAM) and the medium-range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM). Its defense capabilities are also strengthened by the ‘A-190-01’ 100 mm naval cannon or naval artillery system, making it fire more accurately, according to reports.
