By News18
India is set to bolster its naval strength with the commissioning of its latest warship, ‘INS Tamal‘, in Kaliningrad, Russia, on July 1. Armed with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, the state-of-the-art vessel marks a major milestone for the Indian Navy.
INS Tamal comes armed with vertical launch surface-to-air missiles, a 100 mm advanced gun, heavyweight torpedoes, and quick-attack anti-submarine rockets. It also features state-of-the-art systems, network-centric warfare capabilities, and a modern electronic warfare suite. Designed for high-speed operations, the vessel can sail at over 30 knots and cover long sea distances with ease.
The stealth multi-role frigate is the eighth in the series of Krivak-class warships and the second vessel of the Tushil-class. Manned by over 250 naval personnel, all extensively trained in the harsh winters of St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad, INS Tamal has successfully completed several rigorous sea trials over the past three months.
The warship’s induction marks another milestone in Indo-Russian defence cooperation. As part of the same project, two Triput-class frigates are currently being built at Goa Shipyard Limited using Russian technology and design support.
Once the entire series is complete, the Indian Navy will possess 10 warships with similar capabilities, significantly enhancing its maritime strength. INS Tamal, built at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia, will be the last such warship to be acquired from abroad.
In line with the Government of India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives, the vessel incorporates 26 indigenous systems. Among them is the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, capable of striking targets at both sea and land with high precision.
The name ‘Tamal’ is inspired by the mythical sword wielded by Indra, the king of gods, symbolising strength and precision. Representing the finest traditions of Indian and Russian warship building, INS Tamal stands as a testament to the enduring strategic partnership between the two nations. After its commissioning, the warship will join the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, further bolstering India’s maritime security and operational reach.