India has taken a significant step in enhancing its maritime defense power with the commissioning of its newest warship, INS Tamal, on July 1. The commissioning ceremony took place in Kaliningrad, Russia, marking a major addition to the Indian Navy’s fleet.
INS Tamal: A Major Boost to India’s Naval Strength
The Indian Navy has equipped INS Tamal with some of the most advanced and powerful weapons. At the heart of its armament is the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, known for its incredible speed and precision. This missile can strike both sea-based and land-based targets quickly and accurately.
Engineers designed the modern warship for high-speed operations, and it sails at over 30 knots, allowing it to move very fast in water. With its long-range capabilities, it can travel large distances without needing to refuel or stop often.
Built at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, the vessel represents one of the final stages of a long-running defense collaboration between India and Russia. The warship is the eighth Krivak-class frigate and the second in the Tushil-class. It is also the last such vessel to be acquired from outside India under this series.
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With this addition, the Indian Navy now moves closer to a total of 10 advanced warships under the same project, significantly strengthening India’s presence and defense power at sea.
Advanced Weapons and Indigenous Power on INS Tamal
INS Tamal is not just fast—it’s powerful and intelligent too. The warship carries a wide variety of weapons and systems designed to defend against all types of threats at sea. Apart from the BrahMos missile, it has:
- Vertical launch surface-to-air missiles to protect against enemy aircraft or incoming threats.
- A 100 mm advanced naval gun that can be used for both offensive and defensive actions.
- Heavyweight torpedoes to strike underwater targets like submarines.
- Quick-attack anti-submarine rockets, giving it the ability to defend against undersea attacks instantly.
In addition to its strong weapons, INS Tamal has cutting-edge features like network-centric warfare capabilities, meaning it can share information with other ships and systems in real time. Engineers also equipped it with a modern electronic warfare suite, which helps it detect and avoid enemy tracking systems or missiles.
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A key highlight is its alignment with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and Make in India missions. Although Russia built the ship, Indian developers and manufacturers included 26 indigenous systems in it. These Indian technologies make the warship a perfect blend of foreign design and local innovation.
Indo-Russian Collaboration and Naval Preparedness
The induction of INS Tamal is a strong example of the long-standing Indo-Russian defense partnership. This partnership has seen both countries work together on building high-tech defense equipment. Indian shipbuilders at Goa Shipyard Limited are now building two Triput-class frigates in India with help from Russian designs and technology.
This effort shows how India is not just buying defense equipment but also learning how to build it at home. INS Tamal was built in Russia, but future ships under this program are being developed within India. That means more jobs, more skill development, and more experience for India’s defense sector.
INS Tamal operates with a crew of over 250 trained naval personnel. These crew members have undergone extensive training in cold and tough conditions in St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad, ensuring they are fully ready to operate this modern warship under any circumstances.
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The name ‘Tamal’ is inspired by a mythical sword associated with Indra, the king of gods in Indian mythology. It stands for strength, sharpness, and precision—qualities that perfectly match the ship’s role and capabilities.
Now part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, INS Tamal will play an important role in keeping India’s coastal and open sea areas secure. With its powerful weapons, high speed, and advanced systems, it adds serious strength to India’s maritime defenses.