INS TAMAL: Equipped with Brahmos Missile is Latest Stealth Frigate in Russia

The Indian Navy commissioned its latest stealth frigate, INS Tamal, in  Kaliningrad, Russia on Tuesday, 1st of July, 2025. V Adm Sanjay J Singh presided over the commissioning ceremony. He is the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy. He attended as Chief Guest. Many high-ranking Indian and Russian government and defence officials were present.

Captain Sridhar Tata the commander of INS Tamal, is a resident of Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh. He showed bravery in missions like the Kargil War and Operation Parakram.

Tamal is the eighth in the series of Krivak class frigates inducted from Russia over the past two decades. It is the second ship of the Tushil Class. Tushil class ships are the upgraded versions of their predecessors, Talwar and Teg classes having three ships each. The first six ships of the Talwar & Teg class were commissioned in the Indian Navy. This occurred from 2003 to 2013. The first of Tushil class (INS Tushil) was commissioned on December 9, 2024. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was the chief guest. All seven ships inducted so far are part of the Western Fleet. This fleet is known as ‘The Sword Arm’ of the Indian Navy. It operates under the Western Naval Command.

The Mighty INS Tamal

INS Tamal is a 125-metre-long and 3900-tonne frigate. It was constructed at Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad. An Indian team of specialists from the Warship Overseeing Team monitored the construction. The frigate was built in Russia. However, it has 26 per cent indigenous systems. These include the BrahMos long-range cruise missile for striking targets at both sea and land. The major Indian OEMs involved were BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited. The list also includes Keltron, Nova Integrated Systems from Tata, Elcome Marine, Johnson Controls India, and more. This is in line with India’s initiatives of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.

“The ship has significant upgrades in its arsenal compared to its predecessors. These include vertically launched surface-to-air missiles and an improved 100 MM gun. It also boasts a new age EO/IR system alongside the standard 30 MM CIWS, heavyweight torpedoes, and urgent-attack anti-submarine rockets. Additionally, there is a host of surveillance and fire control radars and systems. Force multipliers include Air Early Warning and Multi Role helicopters, which can operate from the deck of Tamal. The ship’s combat capability is enhanced by numerous Network Centric Warfare capabilities. It also includes an advanced Electronic Warfare suite. Tamal has a very high tonnage to firepower ratio. It has extended endurance and a top speed in excess of 30 knots.” The Ministry of Defence stated in a press release.

Also read: BrahMos and Tamal: A New Era for Indian Navy

The ship will be operated by more than 250 personnel. These personnel have undergone rigorous ashore and afloat training. Their training took place in “extremely challenging winter conditions of St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad,” as per the official statement. INS Tamal “successively completed extensive sea trials undertaken over three months, proving its systems, weapons and sensors,” it added.

Tamal – Name, Mascot, Motto

The ship derives its name, Tamal, from the mythical sword used by Lord Indra, the king of gods, in combat. The ship’s mascot is inspired by the ‘Jambavant’ (जाम्बवन्त), the Immortal Bear King of Indian Mythology. It also draws inspiration from the Russian National Animal, the Eurasian Brown Bear. The ship’s crew proudly calls themselves “The Great Bears”.

The ship’s motto, ‘Sarvada Sarvatra Vijaya’ (Victorious Always Everytime) signifies the Indian Navy’s undying commitment. This illustrates their dedication to operational excellence in every mission. It complements its motto ‘Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future Ready Force Safeguarding National Maritime Interests – Anytime, Anywhere’.

India-Russia Partnership

In 2016, India and Russia signed an intergovernmental contract worth Rs 21,000 crore to build four stealth frigates. INS Tushil and INS Tamal were constructed at a cost of about Rs 8,000 crore.

India, as part of the broader contract for Tushil class, is also building two similar frigates called the Triput class. These are being built at Goa Shipyard Limited with transfer of technology. Design assistance is provided from the Russian side. By the conclusion of this series of ships, Indian Navy will be operating ten ships with similar capabilities. There will be commonality in equipment, weapon, and sensor fit over four different classes.

For all latest updates Follow theviralmail on X, Facebook, and Instagram