The Indian Navy's final foreign-built warship, INS Tamal, is projected to arrive at Karwar Naval Base on September 10, 2025. This cutting-edge stealth guided-missile frigate, constructed at Russia's Yantar Shipyard, was inducted into the Indian Navy on July 1, 2025. During its approximately two-month journey from Kaliningrad, Russia to India, it made stops at various allied naval bases.
The Voyage and Commissioning of INS Tamal
INS Tamal was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 2025, at Russia's Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad. The event was graced by Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command. Launched on February 24, 2022, the warship underwent sea trials from November 2024 to June 2025, testing its weapons, sensors, and systems.
As INS Tamal journeyed from Kaliningrad to Karwar, it displayed its prowess at ports of friendly nations, including St. Petersburg (Russia), Casablanca (Morocco), Naples (Italy), Souda Bay (Greece), Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), and Salalah (Oman). On August 15, 2025, during India’s 79th Independence Day, a grand parade was held onboard in Naples, and the crew visited the Indian Embassy.
Features of INS Tamal
INS Tamal is the eighth vessel of the Talwar-class and the second of the Tushil-class, an upgraded version of the Talwar and Teg-class. At 125 meters long and weighing 3,900 tons, it can reach speeds of 30 knots (55 km/h) and has a cruising range of 3,000 km. Its name draws inspiration from Indra's mythical sword, Tamal, and its mascot combines Jambavan, the mythological bear king, and the Russian bear.
Source: aajtak
This warship is equipped for all types of naval warfare—air, surface, underwater, and electronic. Its BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles can strike both sea and land targets at blazing speeds of 3,700 km/h over distances of hundreds of kilometers.
Other features include Shtil-1 surface-to-air missiles, a 100 mm main gun, a 30 mm AK-630 close-in weapon system (CIWS), torpedoes, and anti-submarine rockets. It can also carry Kamov-28 and Kamov-31 helicopters for anti-submarine and aerial surveillance missions.
Approximately 26% of INS Tamal’s components are indigenously sourced, including the BrahMos missiles, HUMSA-NG sonar, and the surface surveillance radar. Built in collaboration between India and Russia, it involves 33 Indian companies like BrahMos Aerospace, Bharat Electronics, and Tata's Nova Integrated Systems. The vessel is equipped with automated systems to counter nuclear, biological, and chemical threats.
The Talwar-Class Impact and Indian Defense
The Talwar-class frigates, also known as Project 1135.6, are an advanced iteration of Russia's Krivak III-class, adopted by the Indian Navy since 2003. Currently, six Talwar-class warships (INS Talwar, Trishul, Tabar, Teg, Tarkash, and Tushil) are in service, with four equipped with BrahMos missiles and the others undergoing upgrades. INS Tushil, the first of this batch, was commissioned on December 9, 2024, in the presence of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.
INS Tamal will be part of the Western Fleet, the sword arm of the Western Naval Command, responsible for maritime security from Gujarat to Maharashtra. Stationed at Karwar Naval Base, it will be commanded by Captain Sridhar Tata, an expert in gunnery and missile warfare. The ship will operate with a crew of 250 sailors and 26 officers, who have undergone rigorous winter training in St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad.
India-Russia Partnership and Future Prospects
The INS Tamal represents the 51st vessel of the 65-year India-Russia naval partnership. It will not just enhance India's maritime power but also reinforce its presence in the Indian Ocean. This warship plays a vital role in countering threats from nations like Pakistan and China, with its network-centric warfare system and electronic warfare suite readying it for modern conflict.
The Indian Navy is advancing towards indigenous design and construction, with Project 18 aiming to produce next-generation destroyers of 10,000 tons equipped with railguns and laser weapons. Future plans include the construction of seven more frigates inspired by Western designs. The arrival of INS Tamal marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in indigenous naval manufacturing.
