Amidst strategic plans against terror networks in Pakistan, India is set to welcome one of the world's most advanced multi-role stealth guided-missile frigates, 'Tamal', crafted at Russia's Yantar Shipyard. This formidable warship is capable of launching lethal BrahMos anti-ship missiles.
Under the 2016 India-Russia agreement, four Talwar-class stealth frigates are being constructed—two in Russia and two in India. The second warship under this deal is now ready, with expectations of its induction into the Indian Navy by June 2025.
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Tamal to be Handed Over on May 28
As per information received by India Today, Russia is set to hand over 'Tamal' to India on May 28. Of the two frigates built in Russia, the first, INS Tushil, has already joined the Indian Navy. It was formally inducted by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh during his visit to Russia on December 9, 2024. After a journey exceeding 20,116 km and passing through eight countries, INS Tushil has reached India.
Source: aajtak
Indian Team Reaches Russia for Tamal's Trials
Tamal's trials have been concluded in Russia in the presence of Indian Navy officials. Once commissioned, an Indian naval team will bring the warship to India. Approximately 200 Indian naval personnel have undergone training and participated in sea trials. These trials will continue for several weeks before the warship is prepared for its journey to India.
What Makes Tamal Among the Deadliest Warships?
Razor-sharp like a sword, 'Tamal' is designed for precise strikes and high maneuverability, capable of speeds up to 30 knots (55 km/h) with an operational range of 3,000 kilometers per mission.
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Key Features:
BrahMos Missile Capability:
The warship can fire supersonic BrahMos missiles, posing a significant threat to enemy ships.
Anti-Submarine Warfare:
Equipped with advanced anti-submarine rockets and torpedoes to counter underwater threats.
Helicopter Deployment:
Capable of carrying and operating a multi-role helicopter for extended surveillance and combat missions.
Source: aajtak
Stealth Design:
Engineered to evade enemy radar, enhancing capabilities in modern warfare.
Weight:
Despite its 3,900-ton weight, the warship remains agile and heavily armed.
Understanding the A-190E Naval Gun...
This potent 100mm multipurpose artillery gun can target air, ship, surface, and ground threats. A single round weighs 26.8 kilograms and can pivot from minus 10 degrees to plus 85 degrees for diverse assaults.
The gun fires 60 rounds per minute, enabling a round per second, lethal enough to target large ships, carriers, aircraft, or submarines. It stores 350 rounds and can be refilled in minutes, capable of engaging in all directions.
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Vertical Launch BrahMos/Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles
Tamal is equipped with 8 x VLS BrahMos and anti-ship cruise missile systems. The 8 vertical launch anti-ship missile club and 8 vertical launch anti-ship and land attack BrahMos missiles are installed. The warship is fortified with electronic warfare systems and four KT-216 decoy launchers, along with 24 Shtil-1 medium-range missiles.
A 76 mm Oto Melara naval gun, 2 AK-630 CIWS, and 2 Kashthan CIWS guns further enhance its firepower, along with two 533mm torpedo tubes and a rocket launcher. A Kamov-28 or a Kamov-31 or Dhruv helicopter can be equipped on it.
'Tamal' to be India's Last Imported Warship
INS Tushil and Tamal are part of the third installment of Talwar-class frigates. However, the Indian Navy has announced that 'Tamal' will be the last imported warship, marking a shift towards complete indigenous warship production.
India has been operating Talwar-class frigates since 2003, with six currently in service. Four are already equipped with BrahMos missiles, with preparations ongoing for the remaining two.
Timely Delivery Despite Russia-Ukraine War
Despite concerns of delays due to the Russia-Ukraine war, 'Tamal' has been delivered on schedule. The frigate is powered by engines manufactured in Ukraine and delivered before the conflict began. India's Goa Shipyard is also constructing two additional stealth frigates, with engines already secured.
India's Strategic Strength to Increase in Indo-Pacific Region
With 'Tamal' soon joining the fleet, the Indian Navy's striking power and strategic reach in the Indo-Pacific region will receive a significant boost.
