INS Tamal Joins Indian Navy Today as Last Foreign-Built Warship

In a significant milestone for India's maritime defense, the Indian Navy is set to commission INS Tamal, a powerful stealth-guided missile frigate, at a ceremony held in Kaliningrad, Russia. This modern warship, built at the Yantar Shipyard, is the last Indian Navy vessel to be constructed outside the country, underlining a turning point toward full-scale indigenous warship production in line with the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision.

Presided over by Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, the ceremony marks the formal addition of INS Tamal into the Indian Navy's Western Fleet — famously known as the "Sword Arm" of the Navy.

INS Tamal is the eighth and final Krivak-class frigate to be procured from Russia over the past two decades and is the second ship of the upgraded Tushil class, which follows the earlier Talwar and Teg classes. While this marks the end of foreign-built additions, two more similar warships — the Triput class — are currently under construction at Goa Shipyard Limited with Russian design assistance, highlighting a strong India-Russia shipbuilding partnership transitioning into Indian hands.

Technical Might of INS Tamal

At approximately 3,900 tonnes displacement and 125 meters in length, INS Tamal carries formidable combat power. Equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensor systems, the ship is a significant step up from its predecessors. It features:

• BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for land and sea attack

• Vertical-launched Surface-to-Air Missiles (VL-SAM) for aerial threats

• 100mm upgraded naval gun, along with 30mm CIWS (Close-In Weapon System)

• Heavyweight torpedoes and anti-submarine rocket launchers

• Electro-optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors, modern fire control radars, and

• Advanced HUMSA NG Mk II sonar and anti-submarine warfare suite

Its aviation facilities allow it to deploy both Multi-Role and Airborne Early Warning helicopters, enhancing its situational awareness and long-range engagement abilities. The ship is also fully fitted with Network Centric Warfare systems, encrypted communication links, and a powerful Electronic Warfare suite, making it a formidable multi-role frigate capable of operating independently or as part of a fleet.

Despite being constructed in Russia, over 26% of the ship’s components are of Indian origin, including key combat systems. This includes radar systems, sonar equipment, data links, and the communication backbone — doubling the indigenous content compared to earlier frigates in its class.

Symbolism and Legacy

The name "Tamal" draws from mythology — representing the divine sword wielded by Indra, the King of the Gods — and the ship’s mascot is a fusion of Indian and Russian strength: the mythical Jambavant, India’s immortal bear king, and the Eurasian Brown Bear, Russia’s national animal. The crew proudly refer to themselves as "The Great Bears", embracing this symbolism of resilience, power, and unity.

With a crew of over 250 naval personnel, all trained in the harsh winters of St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad, INS Tamal has already completed three months of rigorous sea trials, validating its systems, weapons, and combat readiness.

Its commissioning highlights more than just the addition of a powerful warship — it reflects two decades of Indo-Russian naval collaboration, the Indian Navy’s rising technological edge, and the country's clear shift toward indigenous naval production. With its motto “Sarvada Sarvatra Vijaya” (Victorious Always Everytime), INS Tamal is not just a ship — it's a floating embodiment of India’s naval ambition and strategic resilience in an increasingly complex maritime environment.