INS Tamal: India’s Final Imported Stealth Frigate Set for Commissioning
In a major milestone for India’s maritime defense capability, the Indian Navy is preparing to induct INS Tamal, a Russian-built multi-role stealth frigate, into active service by June 2025. This will likely be the last major warship procured from a foreign country, as India pivots towards complete indigenous warship production.
INS Tamal Joins Indian Fleet
INS Tamal is the second of two stealth frigates ordered from Russia under a 2016 bilateral agreement. Its commissioning follows that of INS Tushil, which joined the Indian Navy in December 2024. Built at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, the vessel will be officially handed over to the Indian Navy by May 28, 2025, after final weapon and performance trials are completed.
Designed for blue-water operations, INS Tamal displaces 3,900 tonnes, measures 125 meters in length, and can attain speeds of up to 30 knots. It offers an operational range of 3,000 kilometers and is tailored to execute missions across offensive, defensive, and reconnaissance domains in hostile maritime conditions.
Armed with Cutting-Edge Weaponry
The frigate is armed with a formidable set of weapons including BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, vertically launched Shtil-1 surface-to-air missiles, and a 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount. Anti-submarine warfare capabilities are enhanced through two Indigenous Triple Torpedo Launchers capable of firing 324mm torpedoes.
INS Tamal also features stealth contours that minimize radar visibility, making it difficult to detect during combat. It is equipped to operate advanced helicopters such as the Kamov-28 and Kamov-31 for anti-submarine and airborne early warning missions, further boosting its versatility in multi-threat scenarios.
A Shift to Indigenous Naval Power
The commissioning of INS Tamal symbolizes the end of India’s reliance on foreign-built major warships. Going forward, the Indian Navy will receive only domestically constructed vessels. Two new frigates named Triput and Tavasya are already under construction at Goa Shipyard Limited, built with a significantly higher proportion of indigenous content.
This strategic transition aligns with India’s broader defense self-reliance goal under the Make in India initiative. With the Navy expanding its role in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions, the emphasis on indigenization not only strengthens national security but also supports the domestic defense manufacturing sector.
As India modernizes its naval fleet to counter regional threats and assert its maritime presence, INS Tamal will stand as the final foreign legacy in a force that is increasingly self-built, self-equipped, and future-ready.
