The Indian Navy is set to commission its newest stealth frigate, INS Tamal, in Russia on Tuesday, marking the last warship to be built for India outside the country. The Navy announced the milestone in a post on X, sharing a video that showcases the vessel’s journey and technical features. The commissioning ceremony will be led by Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, Western Naval Commander, who will attend as the Chief Guest. The event will also see the presence of top Indian and Russian military and government officials. INS Tamal is the eighth and final frigate in the Krivak class series procured from Russia over the last 20 years. It is the second vessel in the Tushil class, an upgraded version of the earlier Talwar and Teg class frigates, which had three ships each.

As part of the broader Tushil class agreement, India is also constructing two similar Triput class frigates at Goa Shipyard Limited, with technological and design support from Russia. Once all vessels are completed, the Navy will operate a fleet of ten similar ships, ensuring consistency in equipment, weapons, and sensors across four related classes. INS Tamal was built at Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia, under the supervision of an Indian team from the Warship Overseeing Team, guided by the Indian Embassy in Moscow. The project was managed by the Directorate of Ship Production at Naval Headquarters.

Despite being built abroad, the warship supports the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and Make in India initiatives. Approximately 26% of its components are indigenous, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system for both sea and land strikes. Compared to its predecessors, INS Tamal boasts major enhancements such as vertical launch surface-to-air missiles, an improved 100 mm gun, modern electro-opticalinfrared systems, 30 mm CIWS, anti-submarine rockets, torpedoes, and advanced radar and fire control systems.

Its operational strength is further increased by airborne assets like multi-role and airborne early warning helicopters, along with network-centric warfare capabilities and a state-of-the-art electronic warfare suite. With a displacement of around 3,900 tonnes, a length of 125 meters, and a top speed exceeding 30 knots, Tamal is a highly capable warship. The crew of over 250 personnel underwent intense training in St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad under challenging winter conditions. The ship successfully completed a three-month-long series of sea trials to validate its systems and combat readiness.

The name ‘Tamal’ is derived from a mythical sword associated with Indra, the king of the gods. The warship’s mascot, the Great Bear, symbolizes a fusion of Indian and Russian heritage—drawing from Jambavant, the immortal bear king from Indian mythology, and the Eurasian brown bear, Russia’s national animal. The crew proudly refer to themselves as The Great Bears.

Representing long-standing Indo-Russian defense collaboration, Tamal’s motto—‘Sarvada Sarvatra Vijaya’ (Victorious Always Everywhere)—reflects the Indian Navy’s unwavering dedication to operational excellence. Once commissioned, it will become part of the Western Fleet under the Western Naval Command, enhancing Indias maritime strength. Earlier, on December 9, the Indian Navy also commissioned INS Tushil (F70), another multi-role guided missile frigate, at the same shipyard in Kaliningrad.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from X@indiannavy.