INS Tamal: India’s Last Foreign-Built Stealth Frigate Set for Commissioning in 2025

With a displacement of nearly 4,000 tons and a length of 125 meters, INS Tamal is set to enhance India’s naval capabilities as it prepares for commissioning on July 1, 2025, in Kaliningrad, Russia. This stealth frigate is the eighth and final vessel of the Talwar-class and the second in the upgraded Tushil subclass. It combines advanced Indian and Russian technologies, equipped with eight vertically launched BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, sophisticated surface-to-air missile systems, and an advanced electronic warfare suite, providing unmatched firepower and versatility.

The commissioning of INS Tamal marks a historic milestone as India’s last foreign-built warship, symbolising a strategic shift towards indigenous naval shipbuilding under the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India defence initiatives. Joining the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet — known as the ‘Sword Arm’ — Tamal will play a crucial role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests across the Indo-Pacific region, reinforcing the Navy’s modernisation efforts and network-centric warfare capabilities. This event not only highlights India-Russia defence collaboration but also indicates India’s transformation from a buyer’s navy to a builder’s navy, paving the way for future indigenous warships.

Detailed Overview of INS Tamal: Advanced Stealth Frigate of the Indian Navy

INS Tamal is a state-of-the-art stealth frigate weighing approximately 3,900 to 4,000 tons and stretching about 125 meters in length. Powered by gas turbines, it can achieve speeds exceeding 30 knots, making it highly agile for blue-water operations. The ship supports a crew of around 250 personnel trained for multifaceted naval warfare. Its advanced hull design and stealth features significantly reduce radar, infrared, and acoustic signatures, enhancing survivability and operational endurance in hostile environments.

Weaponry, sensors & electronic warfare systems

INS Tamal’s formidable weaponry makes it a versatile combat platform:

• BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles: 8 vertical launch system (VLS) cells capable of striking targets up to 450 km away with supersonic speed and precision.
• Shtil-1 surface-to-air missiles: 24 missiles providing robust air defence against hostile aircraft and missiles.
• 100 mm A-190E naval gun: For surface and shore bombardment with rapid-fire capability.
• AK-630 Close-In Weapon System (CIWS): Multi-barrel gun for last-ditch defence against incoming missiles and aircraft.
• Torpedo tubes and RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers: Effective against underwater threats, enhancing anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities.

The ship is equipped with cutting-edge sensors and electronic warfare systems:

• HUMSA-NG Mk II sonar: Advanced underwater detection for ASW operations.
• Sophisticated radars: For target acquisition, tracking, and fire control.
• Electronic warfare suite and decoy systems: To jam or mislead enemy sensors and missiles, increasing survivability.

INS Tamal also supports airborne assets like Kamov-28 and Kamov-31 helicopters, which extend its surveillance and strike reach, making it a force multiplier in the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet.

This blend of stealth, firepower, and advanced electronics positions INS Tamal as a critical asset in India’s naval modernisation and Indo-Pacific security strategy, showcasing the success of India-Russia defence collaboration and the gradual shift towards indigenous naval shipbuilding.

Commissioning Details

INS Tamal will be officially commissioned on 1 July 2025, at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. This ceremony will be a significant event with important guests from India and Russia, including Indian Navy Chief Vice Admiral Sanjay J. Singh and top officials from the Russian Navy and Rosoboronexport. The event celebrates the addition of a new stealth frigate to the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet and highlights years of successful naval cooperation between India and Russia.

This commissioning is especially important because it signals the induction of India’s last foreign-built warship. It marks a shift toward building warships in India, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. The attendance of high-level defence officials from both countries shows their strong partnership and shared commitment to maritime security.

This ceremony stands as a milestone, closing an era of foreign-built acquisitions and heralding a new chapter in India’s self-reliant naval modernisation.

The induction of INS Tamal into the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, which is referred to as the “Sword Arm,” represents a significant advancement in India’s maritime strategy and its regional security stance. As the final foreign-built stealth frigate, Tamal offers a powerful combination of advanced weaponry, multi-domain warfare capabilities, and enhanced blue-water endurance. This directly supports India’s growing role in the security framework of the Indo-Pacific region.

Strategic & Operational Highlights

• Fleet Integration: INS Tamal joins the Western Fleet, the Indian Navy’s primary strike force, enhancing deterrence and rapid-response capacity across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Maritime Strike Power: Tamal is equipped with BrahMos supersonic missiles, Shtil-1 SAMs, and heavyweight torpedoes, allowing it to neutralise threats from air, surface, and subsurface domains, which makes it a formidable multi-role combatant.
• Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW): Equipped with advanced sonar, rocket launchers, and torpedo tubes, the frigate greatly enhances India’s undersea warfare capabilities, which are essential for countering regional submarine threats.
• Endurance & Blue-Water Reach: Tamal is optimised for long-duration deployments, convoy escort, and power projection, with a range of nearly 5,000 nautical miles and robust sea-keeping capabilities that extend well beyond coastal waters.
• Network-Centric Warfare: The integration of advanced radar systems, electronic warfare tools, and networked combat management systems allows for real-time situational awareness and coordinated fleet operations.
• Symbolic Shift: Tamal’s commissioning marks the end of India’s reliance on imported warships. With 26% indigenous content, including the BrahMos missile system, it reflects the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and complements indigenous projects like the Triput-class frigates at Goa Shipyard.

The arrival of INS Tamal is not merely a technological upgrade; it marks a strategic milestone for the Indian Navy. This vessel enhances the Navy’s capability to operate with increased autonomy, resilience, and reach, further solidifying India’s position as a responsible security provider in the Indo-Pacific region. For aspiring defence personnel, Tamal represents India’s evolving naval strategy and the nation’s dedication to self-reliance and regional stability.

Indigenous Components & Make in India Impact

INS Tamal represents a significant step in India’s journey toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing. With 26% indigenous content, including the BrahMos supersonic missile system, advanced communication systems, and electronic warfare components, Tamal effectively bridges the gap between foreign expertise and Indian innovation. This integration reduces dependency on external suppliers and allows for faster upgrades, simplified logistics, and more cost-effective maintenance.

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The commissioning of INS Tamal marks a critical shift from importing frontline warships to constructing them domestically. Shipyards like Goa Shipyard and Mazagon Dock are now at the forefront of building next-generation stealth frigates, such as the Triput-class, entirely under the “Make in India” and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. This strategic transition is poised to enhance the Indian Navy’s fleet with technologically advanced, homegrown vessels, ensuring long-term maritime security and promoting industrial growth.

INS Tamal’s integration of indigenous and foreign systems not only enhances India’s current naval capabilities but also lays the foundation for a fully self-reliant, world-class navy. This makes it an essential case study for NDA aspirants and defence enthusiasts alike.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Author’s Word

INS Tamal is not just the last foreign-built stealth frigate of the Indian Navy; it represents India’s shift from a “Buyer’s Navy” to a “Builder’s Navy.” With 26% indigenous content—featuring the BrahMos missile system and advanced electronic suites—Tamal showcases India’s rapid integration of homegrown technology into its frontline warships.

The commissioning of Tamal is significant as it signifies the end of reliance on imported platforms and marks the beginning of a new era where Indian shipyards and engineers play a central role in naval modernisation. The ship’s combination of Indian and Russian technologies not only ensures operational superiority but also facilitates easier upgrades, maintenance, and logistical support, which are essential for a blue-water navy.

As Tamal joins the Western Fleet, it complements the upcoming Triput-class and other indigenous projects, reinforcing India’s commitment to self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. For defence aspirants and readers, INS Tamal stands as a proud milestone, showcasing the nation’s growing confidence and capability to build, innovate, and lead in maritime security.

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– NDA Study