The Indian Navy has formally welcomed its newest multi-role stealth frigate, INS Tamal, into active service — its last foreign-built warship.
The handover took place at a special ceremony at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, Russia, on Tuesday last week. INS Tamal is the Indian Navy’s eighth multi-role stealth frigate and the second of the follow-on Tushil class.
The 125-metre vessel has a 3,900-ton displacement and a crew of about 275. She was launched in February 2022 and has since been undergoing fitting out and sea trials. Her home port will be Karwar in Karnataka and she is soon due to set sail there on her maiden voyage; upon arrival she will join the Western Fleet.
Named after the mythical sword wielded by Hindu chief deity Indra, she features the Russian AK-630 Close-In Weapons System (CIWS), the AK-100 naval cannon, and an RBU 6000 Anti-Submarine Rocket Launcher, as well as SHTIL vertically launched multi-role surface-to-air missiles and Brahmos cruise missiles.
Western Navy Commander-in-Chief Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh noted that the commissioning of Tamal into the Indian Navy marked a key milestone.
He commented: “The commissioning of versatile platforms like INS Tamal enhances the Indian Navy’s reach, responsiveness, and resilience.”
He added: “I am confident that the ship will prove its mettle as a force multiplier in our operational architecture, towards safeguarding national maritime interests and promoting maritime security.”
Going forward the Indian Government has shifted to a policy of domestic procurement for all of its navy vessels under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan or “Self-Reliant India Mission” initiative.
- You can read more details on the Indian Ministry of Defence website
